Former Nigerian youth international Yakubu Alfa is confident that the Flying Eagles will come back with the U20 AFCON trophy.
Alfa warned that the campaign should not been seen as a failed one should the team fail to win the trophy, because they have already clinched the FIFA World Cup ticket.
Gambia sealed their semi-final spot in a 5-0 trashing of South Sudan – the Eight win in their last ten games – and will be a real threat, but Alfa is confident that Nigeria have what it takes to get past Gambia.
“First objective is to qualify to the World Cup, and I am confident Ladan Bosso has a team that is going to come back with trophy.
“People feel the team isn’t doing well, but for me the aim is achieved, if we fail to win the tournament it should not be seen as a failed campaign.
“We are defeating Gambia, even if they’re on a good run of form. They have played thirteen games without conceding many goals same as us, so that means we are capable and far better than the Gambians.
“The game could go into extra time, they are a team that are coming to compete, but I believe the coach knows what he needs.
“I believe he knows the areas he needs to build up and improve upon, he has watched the team and he knows where is lacking so let’s trust the coach to make good decisions,” he concluded.