Soccer News of Thursday, 15 November 2007

Source: Daily Trust

I'll Stop Nigeria Again - Attuquayefio Boasts

Black Meteors of Ghana coach Cecil Jones Attu- quayefio is confident about his ability to fashion out a workable strategy that will shatter Nigeria's chances of taking part at the next Olympics when his boys file out against the Dream Team today.

Attuquayefio and his army stopped the U-23 Eagles from participating at the last All Africa Games in Algiers after the Ghanaians snatched the continental ticket on away goal rule after both teams tied on 1-1 aggregate at the end of two meetings.

And the Black Meteors handler who will be facing a huge challenge in front of home fans at the revamped Ohene Djan Stadium, venue of the Olympic qualifier has declared that he has a strong side that is capable of inflicing another massive blow on coach Samson Siasia and his boys in the West African soccer war.

The Dream Team are despe-rate to get at least a draw to have any chance of hoisting the country's flag in Beijing next year, Olympics but Attuquayefio insists his team are battle-ready to stop Nigeria's aspirations.

"I have a team capable of defending the colours of Ghana and have the ability to win against any team", the Meteors handler was quoted as saying on Confederation of African Football, CAF's official website.

The Black Meteors lead group A with six points and needs nothing short of victory against the Dream Team to clinch the group's automatic slot to the 2008 Olympics.

The U-23 Eagles had won both sides' reverse fixture 3-2 at the Abuja National Stadium in June and have vowed to get the needed result in Accra before going ahead to host the Amaglug-glug of South Africa March next year.

Meanwhile in group B, the Young Elephants of Cote d' Ivoire will host the Young Chipolopolos of Zambia in a crucial tie which could decide who qualifies from the group.

And in group C, leaders Cameroun face a tricky test away in conakry against Syli Nationale of Guinea just as second placed Morocco trek down south as guests of Botswana.

The winners of the three groups will represent the continent at the quadrennial sporting fiesta in China next year.