By John Egbokhan
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles tackle Mali in the first of two semifinal matches of the ongoing African Youth Championship today in Johannesburg, with the Malian coach, Cheick Diallo Fantamady, saying that they will approach the match with caution.

With both teams already guaranteed a place in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup holding later in the year in Colombia, Coach Fantamady said that his sights are now set on achieving the next target, which is to go for the trophy.

“I still cannot balance my team right now, because there are some games remaining. We are in the semifinals and we have also qualified for the World Cup. We can say that part of our objective is already achieved. The other part is the trophy and we must get it.

Speaking in an interview with Cafonline.com, the Malian coach said that they would approach their foes with a lot of respect.

“We will approach them with a lot of respect. In Africa, Nigeria is known in this level of youth football. They are amongst the elites of African football and we respect them for that”, said Fantanady, in what appeared to be a mockery over Nigeria’s domination in youth football but less results at the senior level, indicating cheating in age grade competitions.

World Nigeria’s record in youth football intimidate Mali?

“Not at all. We respect them like other opponents. We are not at this level of the competition by chance but on merit. We have a solid team. Our team is solid. The players are in a positive mood are psychologically sound. We will face Nigeria with caution and great commitment”, he said.