By Daily Sports on November 15, 2019
Nigeria U23 captain Okechukwu Azubuike has tagged Friday’s encounter against South Africa as “a must-win game”.
Imama Amapakabo’s side needs to beat Amaglug-glug to boost their hopes of qualifying for the semi-final of the Africa U23 Cup of Nations.
The Olympic Eagles are placed second in Group B, with a point behind the South Africans, after picking up their first win against Zambia on Tuesday.
“It is a must-win for us, we know the importance of the game and we’ve been working hard in training,” Azubuike said in their press conference in Egypt.
“Hopefully, tomorrow we are going to come out in our best and then make sure we win the game.”
Azubuike joined the Olympic Eagles late on Monday after Istanbul Basaksehir held him back for their games in the Turkish Super Lig.
After missing the team’s 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast, the 22-year-old played a crucial role in helping Nigeria secure a 3-1 comeback win over the Chipolopolo.
Azubuike doesn’t think his presence in Egypt spurred the country to their first win but attributed the result to the team’s effort.
“I wouldn’t say my presence did a lot because we have good players even without me, we can do something,” he added.
“I have been in this position before so I had to speak to the boys and we came out to play our best because the country expects that from us.
“Going forward, I think with or without me, everybody is important and we can win every game if we want to win and we work very hard.” (Goal)
•PHOTO: Okechukwu Azubuike
Source Daily Sports
Posted November 15, 2019
You may also like...
‘Garrincha’ missing bones stir controversy, 34 years after...
Osimhen Tips Super Falcons For 10th WAFCON Title...
BREAKING NEWS: Solskjaer Named Manchester United Permanent Manager...
Defending Champion Osaka Ousted From US Open By...
Suarez Agrees Juventus Move
Over 1,500 Applications Received For Admission Into Real...

Plymouth striker Oseni shocked by Nigeria call-up
African athletes possess NFL traits in abundance — Umenyiora
AFCON 2027: Udeze warns Chelle not to underestimate opponents
Joshua, Fury in contract stalemate
Agunbiade emerges Nigeria’s lone survivor at WTT Lagos
Nigeria call-up boosted my confidence – Alebiosu
First Eagles invite thrills Rangers’ Oputa
270 athletes begin journey to stardom in Edo
Itauma unfazed by Usyk threat
Arsenal win English Premier League after Man City draw at Bournemouth
AFCON qualifiers: Nigeria face Madagascar, Tanzania, G’Bissau
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Dreaming of Olise, Musiala, Eze, Saka - Priceless Jewels Nigeria Lost to Treachery
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,797 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,117 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (53,073 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,638 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,552 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,455 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,288 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,851 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (51,037 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,534 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,964 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,407 views)