NFF DESPERATE TO HOST UNDER-23 MINI TOURNAMENT

Jaded by the ouster of the Nigeria's Under-23 team from the All African Games, Nigeria Football Federation is desperate to host the final African zone qualifying tournament billed for December.

NFF officials are hoping to convince CAF to bring the tournament to Nigeria so that the Under-23 team coached by Austin Eguaveon can have the chance to qualify. This is against the background of poor away record of the team.

Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Cote 'd Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Gabon are the team that will contest for the three slots reserved for the African continent. The mini-tournament will determine who gets those slots.

'We are not impressed with the performance of the team in away games.

'After been knocked out of the All African Games in both male and female categories we just cannot miss the Olympics.

'This is why we want to do everything possible to ensure that the Falcons and the Under-23 team qualify,' said an NFF official.

Under-23 assistant coach, Stanley Eguma added that it was important that Nigeria get the hosting rights of the mini-tournament, because home advantage will help his team to qualify.

'I hope we get it. Having the competition in our country is very important. I know what we experienced when we played against Ghana in Kumasi last Sunday.

'The importance of your home fans behind you cannot be over emphasized,' he said.