Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Nigeria Under-23 team
Oghenekaro Etebo has told supersport.com that the Nigerian squad will play without fear when they face Senegal in the semifinal of the Under-23 Afcon this Wednesday.
The Nigerian under-23s have put stuttering display in their group games to set up a semifinal date with hosts Senegal, and bookmakers are already writing them off based on their lacklustre performance so far.
However, the Warri Wolves man believes that they stand a good chance of progressing into the final despite facing the host nation at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.
Etebo admitted that he is expecting a tough match against Serigne Saliou Dia’s men.
“It is a football match and like Senegal we have a good chance of winning the game,” said Etebo to supersport.com. “But we know it will be a very tough game so we are prepared for it. Playing against the host country in a competition will always be tough, but it doesn’t mean we do not have a chance of winning the match.”
The Nigerian midifielder said their major objective is to ensure that they qualify for the men’s football event of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Jainero.
“We are aware that a win (against Senegal) will guarantee us a place at the Olympics and that has always been our target from the start of the competition,” said Etebo.
Etebo is one of few Nigerian players who featured in all 270 minutes of football at the Under-23 Afcon in Senegal. He has scored two goals – both from the spot against Egypt.