‘It’s a great feeling’ – Abel Ogwuche speaks on Nigeria’s U20 World Cup qualification

By Wale Mustapha

Abel Ogwuche, man-of-the-match in the U20 African Cup of Nations quarterfinal encounter between Uganda and Nigeria has admitted he’s a fulfilled man after inspiring the country to secure a FIFA U20 World Cup ticket.

Ogwuche was a star performer in his first start after he replaced suspended captain, Daniel Bameyi in the clash against Uganda as Ibrahim Juma’s first-half own goal sealed Nigeria to the semi-final berth in Egypt.

The defender who was presented with TotalEnergies Man of the Match in Ismailia, said making to Indonesia later this year was a dream come through for the team and will revel in it.

“It is a great feeling to win and it was our dream from the start of the tournament to get the World Cup ticket and down we’re looking forward to taking the trophy home,” Abel said at his post-match press conference.

“We just wanted to come and win. That was our motivation today, to secure the World Cup ticket and we made it,” Abel said with a broad smile.

“We had to secure our place in the World Cup. That’s why we all put in a strong performance to win.”

Nigeria will face the winner between The Gambia and South Sudan in the semi-finals on Monday, 6th of March at the Cairo International Stadium by 5pm.