Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has warned the youth national team, Flying Eagles players and coach that they will find it hard to beat Mali in Wednesday’s semi-final of the African U-20 Cup of Nations.
Sports247.ng can report that Rohr is harping on the need for the Nigerian team to be cautious ahead of the game at at Stade General Seyni Kountche, as he believes the Jinuor Eagles of Mali are very good.
Having watched both teams since his arrival in Niamey, where he flew in to keep close tabs on the Flying Eagles as future prospects in his squad, Rohr said it promises to be a cagey game of diverse tactics.
The second semi final at same venue will see Group B winners, Senegal tackle South Africa, in a rematch of their previous encounter at same stage at the 2017 edition in Zambia.
The Lionceau du Teranga, who won the battle back then, this year in Niger Republic were victorious in all their group matches, scooping the maximum nine points.
Senegal would reach their third consecutive final of the U20 AFCON if they defeat Amajita on Wednesday, which means, if Nigeria also defeat Mali, the Flying Eagles would go head-to-head with them again.
Incidentally, Nigeria lost the 2018 WAFU U-20 Cup final to Senegal, who were in the final of the 2015 African championship that they hosted, but fell to the Flying Eagles and lost the 2017 final to host nation, Zambia.
History and recent results make all the semi-final matches exciting to await, with a grand finale also offering sumptious prospects, but Rohr is for now warning the Flying Eagles to beware of Mali’s potent threat.
Rohr said: “It is going to be an interesting game because the Malians are difficult to play. They are strong and run a lot.
“I see Nigeria throwing everything into the fray and doing everything to curtail the Malians by playing a strong game and showing the passion to reach the final.”
