Head Coach of the Olympic Eagles (u-23) Salisu Yusuf said his lads are primed for a decisive victory against the visiting Tanzanian team when the whistle goes for kick-off at 4 pm tomorrow.
“We went to Tanzania to win but it was just not possible. The boys really worked hard and I must commend them for their efforts. However, we have been working hard on our weak points and believe we will get the job done on Saturday,” he said.
He added: “The entire team is happy with the hospitality from the Oyo State Government. We are happy to be able to focus entirely on the match without any distractions.”
Meanwhile, the delegation of the U23 National Team of Tanzania, for the crucial U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Ibadan tomorrow moved to their Carlton Gate Hotel in the sprawling city and looking forward to having a feel of the Lekan Salami Stadium turf today.
Both teams played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Saturday last week, and goals are needed to separate them and determine which side goes ahead to face the winner of the fixture between Uganda and Guinea in the ultimate round before the continental finals slated for Morocco next year.
Match officials from Togo have also arrived, as all arrangements have been concluded by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Oyo State Government for the encounter.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Togolese official Aklesso Gnama as match referee, with his compatriots Komlan Domenyo Adiwotso, Jonathan Koffi Ahonto, and Komlanvi Aklassou in the roles of assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and reserve referee respectively.
Alim Konate Aboubakar from Cameroon will serve as match commissioner with Bechir Hassani from Tunisia in the role of referee assessor.