The Kwara State government is eager and happy to host the 2013 African Youth Championship between Nigeria and Tanzania in Ilorin. The state’s sports commissioner Kayode Towoju described as an honour for Ilorin to stage a qualifier on August 11.

Nigeria faces Tanzania in a 2013 African Youth Championship qualifier in Dar es Salam this weekend, with the return leg at the Ilorin Township Stadium two weeks later.

"We are very delighted and honoured to stage the second leg match against Tanzania in Ilorin following the approval by our able Governor. We promise a most befitting time for our future national team because we are a people of harmony, who are open to everyone." Towoju said.

The Flying Eagles have already enjoyed the warmth of the Ilorin fans when they recently played a warm-up game against local side ABS FC. The match ended 0-0.

Coach John Obuh is still remembered in Ilorin for guiding local darlings Kwara United back to the Nigerian top flight three years ago, while ABS FC goalkeeper Jonah Usman is part of the squad.

The Nigeria U-20 will depart Lagos this afternoon for Rwanda, where they will play a warm-up game before heading to Tanzania for their AYC qualifier.