Striker Taiwo Awoniyi believes Nigeria can secure a place in the Total U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi finals with a win against South Africa on Friday night.
Olympic Eagles lost their opener 1-0 against Ivory Coast and bounced back with a 3-1 win over Zambia in the U23 AFCON competition.
The Mainz forward was speaking ahead of the match at Al Salam Stadium that the Olympic Eagles go into the Group B tie knowing that three points will secure a place in the last four.
“I expect a spectacular game tomorrow (Friday), but also a tough match. We are calm in Cairo and without too much pressure and this could create a few more problems for the South Africans,” the reliable striker said.
“We have come a long way and will be ready to pick the maximum points at stake, something I belied the team is capable of doing.
“It’s a decisive match for us and for them, although South Africa have the advantage because they could go through with a draw,” noted Awoniyi.
“It’s certainly another very tough encounter, but we cannot make calculations, especially as the Zambia-Ivory Coast game is on simultaneously. Now more than ever, we only have to focus on ourselves.
“In any case, I remain confident, because we are highly motivated and I’m convinced of a great performance from us.
South Africa are top on four points, followed by Nigeria and Ivory Coast on three and Zambia with 1.
