'We Know That We Must Win' - Flying Eagles Captain Ahead Of Showdown Vs Ghana

Published: December 09, 2020

Nigeria U20s captain Mike Zaruma is aware that victory against bitter rivals Ghana on Wednesday would put them in a good position to advance to the knockout rounds of the WAFU-UFOA Zone B qualifiers for the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Zaruma and his teammates are hoping to make amends after surrendering a one-goal lead right at the death to draw 1-1 with Ivory Coast in their opener last weekend.

"Taking only one point from the tie with the Ivorians was a tough one because we played better and created more chances to win the game," said Zaruma.

"We felt disappointed but that is behind us now and Ghana is the focus. We know that we must win to enhance our chances of reaching the knockout stage.

"I believe in what we can do as a team. We are ready to pick the three points against Ghana in order to make Nigerians happy."

The Plateau United defender has fond memories of the U20 AFCON as he was part of the squad that qualified for last year's World Cup in Poland, going the distance in all the five matches played by Nigeria during the tournament in Niger.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel