Taiwo Awoniyi Confident In Nigeria U23 Chances Of Qualifying For AFCON

Liverpool-owned striker Taiwo Awoniyi is feeling confident ahead of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Tuesday.

It is evident that the Imama Amapakabo-led side have a poor away form having lost two matches against Libya and Sudan without scoring a goal despite the abundance of attack-minded players in the squad.

The Nigeria U23s made up for their failings in the first leg against Libya by thrashing the opponents 4-0 in the return leg and Awoniyi expects something similar to happen today vs Sudan.

''Once the first goal comes, I believe the team is going to do well in getting the second goal and at the same time if they score against us it doesn't mean the game is over, we have to keep on playing as a team,'' Awoniyi said.

''I believe the coach has already worked with the team for the past two to three days as the captain has said.

''Our goal is to play as a team and to fight for the colour which I believe by God's grace we'll come out victorious at the end of the day.''

Nigeria are the defending champions of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament in which Oghenekaro Etebo announced his arrival at the international stage.

Igho Kingsley