'We want to be champions' - Gambia boss talks tough ahead of Nigeria clash

The Scorpions were ruthless in their quarterfinal fixture, putting five past South Sudan, and they would be looking to repeat the same feat against the Flying Eagles 

Gambia coach Abdoulie Bojang recognizes the threat that Nigeria poses, but he believes his team can beat the Flying Eagles when they square off in the semifinal of the 2023 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Young Scorpions took no prisoners in their quarterfinal tie against South Sudan. Gambia put five past the East Africans to secure a World Cup ticket and a date with Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in the semifinal of the AFCON.

While Nigeria has lost one game at the tournament, Gambia have been untouchable, winning all their games.

Still, Nigeria are slight favourites because of their rich history, claiming eight titles from previous editions.

Gambia boss Bojang recognizes Nigeria’s prowess, but he has stated that his team will match anything that the flying Eagles bring to the pitch.

“It is going to be a tactical battle,” Bojang said per the CAF website.

“We will respect them and put up a respectable performance on the pitch tomorrow.

“Like I always said football is beyond what is on paper. You can get all the records but what I believe is what can we produce during the 90 minutes of play.”

“Nigeria is the only team standing between us and the final. We want to be champions and that can only happen when we beat a champion.

“We are a committed team but we must do everything we can to win and reach the final,” Bojang added.

The last time the two teams met was 16 years ago in the semifinal of the AFCON in the Republic of Congo. Nigeria advanced 1-0 but later lost to Congo in the final.