Ivory Coast U20 coach confident ahead of Nigeria semi-final clash

Ivory Coast Under-20 coach Oussou Israel says his players are ready to face Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in the semi-finals of the Wafu B U20 Tournament.

Nigeria are one of the most successful sides in African youth football and will provide a major test for the Young Elephants, who are aiming to reach the final on home soil.

The Flying Eagles have won a record seven U20 Africa Cup of Nations titles, three more than Egypt and Ghana, who have each claimed the trophy four times.

Nigeria secured their place in the last four after finishing second in Group B. Ivory Coast progressed as Group A winners after recording a perfect campaign, scoring seven goals and conceding none.

Previous meetings between the two teams at Under-20 level have generally favoured Nigeria, who are regarded as something of a bogey side for Les Petits Elephants. Israel, however, believes his team has the ability to overcome that history and earn a place in the tournament final.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Ivory Coast coach said his confidence came from the strength of the squad as a collective rather than from individual qualities.

“Of course, we have confidence, but our confidence is based on the collective.

“We have a good collective, and tactically, I think the boys are recovering well. They are adapting to the different adversities, to the different game problems that our different opponents pose to us.”

Israel also pointed to the way his players have responded to the tactical demands of the tournament. He believes they have shown the flexibility required to deal with different opponents and changing situations during matches.

“They are managing to solve the game problems, and so I think that if we stay like this in this tactical dynamic, in this tactical adaptation, we have the possibility of playing a good match, putting on a good show against this Nigerian team, of playing a very good match, and there you have it, we are ready for this match.”

The Ivory Coast coach’s comments underline his belief that preparation and tactical discipline can help his side challenge Nigeria’s considerable record at youth level.

The semi-final will be played at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Wednesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00.

Nigeria will be looking to maintain their recent advantage in meetings with Ivory Coast, while the hosts will hope their unbeaten Group A campaign provides the platform for a different outcome.

The winners will progress to the final of the Wafu B U20 Tournament.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo credit: fifciv.com