2018 CHAN s/final: Eagles need fitness, accuracy to stop Sudan—Dike

Nigeria's Emeka Atuloma (left), struggles for the ball with a player of Angola during the quarter-final clash between both countries at the ongoing CHAN in Morocco.

FORMER Nigeria’s national U-17 coach, Alphosus Dike has warned the handlers of the home-based Super Eagles to ensure that the players are fully fit and accurate in front of goal in order to beat the Falcons of Sudan on Wednesday.
The semi-final game of the 5th African Nations Championship is scheduled to kick off at 8:30pm Nigeria time at the 45,000-seater Grand Stade de Marrakech, Morocco.
“Sudanese live in a high altitude area; they are distance runners with a lot of stamina and they have the speed.
“They are physical too, which have been quite helpful in their past matches.
“The Super Eagles must be 100 per cent fit to withstand Sudan. Skill and technique are quite important at this stage of the championship,” the former Heartland coach told supersport.com.
Dike said the Eagles must also improve in their shooting accuracy.
“We noticed that the Eagles created chances in the past matches, but finishing has been a problem.
“Accuracy has often let the side down, especially in the group matches and the quarter-final clash against Angola.
“Accurate shooting is key to be able to convert the numerous chances coming their way. They must do more work on accuracy to overcome Sudan.
“I have confidence they will beat Sudan, but it will not come on a silver platter,” the former Enugu Rangers tactician said.
Meanwhile, midfielder Emeka Atuloma is doubtful for the clash as he is nursing an injury he sustained during the game against Angola.
It was gathered should the Rivers United midfielder fail a late fitness test, his place will be taken by Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, who has recovered from an injury as well.
Super Eagles coach, Salisu Yusuf also told scorenigeria.com that Sunday Faleye and Daniel Itodo are out of today’s clash.
He stated that Kalu Orji, who sustained an injury in the last match against Angola has recovered fully and would be available for selection Yusuf said that Plateau United winger Peter Eneji who has been battling with an ankle injury before the start of CHAN 2018 has also recovered fully.
“Eneji is fit again and ready to play,” Yusuf said.