OWN CORRESPONDENT, Lagos | Thursday 1.50pm.
CONGO coach David Memy has an unexpected problem ahead of the African Nations Cup Group of Death clash with title favourites Nigeria at Surulere Stadium in Lagos on Friday.
He is battling to raise spirits in the Red Devils camp after they came within six minutes of holding star-studded Morocco two days ago in the first series of mini-league matches before going down 1-0.
No one gave the motley mix of local amateurs, semi-professionals in Africa and Europe and one Germany-based professional any hope against the Atlas Lions.
But they came so close to causing the first shock of the 2000 finals that Memy admits some of his squad have not come to terms with the loss.
“Most of the players are struggling to eat because they are so upset,” Memy confessed to reporters.
“It was a bad result for us because we played so well. I promise we will not make the same mistakes against Nigeria.”
The Super Eagles made an impressive entry into the biennial African showcase last Sunday, defeating highly-rated Tunisia 4-2 with Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Victor Ikpeba scoring twice each.
Victory would take Nigeria three points clear at the top of Group D a day before Morocco and Tunisia square up in a North African showdown that promises to be one of the first-round highlights.