Mr Fabian Edaba, the Head Coach of the Nigeria Minifootball National Team, has solicited for prayers from Nigerians to enable the team win its next two games so as to lift the trophy at stake.
Speaking to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan, Edaba said that with enough support, the team would not only win the next two games, but also go ahead to lift the cup.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the second edition of the African Minifootball Nations Cup is ongoing at the Ilaji Hotels and Resorts in Ibadan, Oyo State, with 10 countries from across the continent participating.
The continental tournament, which commenced on Thursday, is featuring teams from Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Libya, Djibouti, Zambia, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Somalia.
NAN reports that Nigeria drew their first game against Libya and lost 2-3 to Senegal and need to win their next two matches against Zambia and Djibouti, to qualify for the knock-out rounds.
Nigeria is drawn alongside Libya, Senegal, Zambia and Djibouti in Group A, while Egypt, Ghana, Somalia, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast are in Group B.
While Senegal is currently leading Group A with 6 points, Egypt is leading Group B with 3 points as at the time of filing this report.
Edaba said that although the Nigerian team had a shaky start in the competition, having played the best two teams in Africa in their first two group games, they had, however, remained focused on qualifying from the group stages to go ahead and win the trophy.
“We know Nigerians are not happy with our results so far. We urge them to be patient with the team, while supporting and praying for the players.
“The players remain focused and confident to win the two remaining matches against Zambia and Djibouti.
“We have played against the best two teams in African; we drew 0-0 with Libya and lost 2-3 to Senegal. I am sure we will qualify from the group and go ahead to lift the cup,” he said