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Hakeem Ogunlade: Ex-Flying Eagles star harps on better preparation for U20 Afcon
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Former Nigeria U20 star Hakeem Ogunlade has urged the handlers of the U-20 team to get ready in time, nothing that the home-based should be better prepared before the foreign legs ahead of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The Flying Eagles, who qualified as champions of WAFU B zone, will play their first match of the tournament against Senegal, who emerged from WAFU A zone.
Seven-time champions Nigeria will square up against hosts Egypt, Senegal, and Mozambique in Group A and Ogunlade stressed that preparation on time is key to ensuring the team succeeds in Egypt.
“Any player that will be brought into the team as a professional should be brought as early as possible. I know one or two might not come in early. I don’t know who they are inviting as professional.” Ogunlade told Brila FM.
“The home-based players should be prepared and forget about the professional players. If professionals are coming in, it’s fine but the focus should be on the home based team.
“The first game is a tough game which they must not lose to Senegal. There is no group of death. The team’s preparation is solid. We should not be thinking of others.”
The Flying Eagles will be hoping to conquer the continent for a record eighth time in Egypt from 19th February – 11th March will witness 12 teams, with four top teams qualifying to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals already slated for 20th May – 11th June in Indonesia.
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