Coach of the Golden Eaglets (U-17 men’s team) of Nigeria, Nduka Ugbade, has admitted little fear in his team is a morale boost.
The experienced tactician made declaration in an interview with CAFOnline. And according to him, his team are ready for their opponents in the Group B.
The Group B according to punters is “the Group of death” judging by the quality of teams present. In the Group B, Nigeria will come up against Zambia, Morocco and perennial rival South Africa.
Ugbade highlighted that his squad will take on every team one step at a time. According to him, their main focus will not be to win the AFCON, but to beat opposing teams.
Nduka Ugbade Upbeat Of Eaglets AFCON U-17 Outing:
“It’s quite interesting. We have always been waiting for this moment we will face every team as they come one after the other.”
“We are not talking about winning the AFCON, We are talking and planning about winning each match. One after the other. We will fight.”
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“That’s most probably the toughest group. I have an idea of West, South, North and East African football. These are great nations, but we are going to prepare ourselves for the onslaught. Everyone of those teams will feel Nigeria.”
Speaking further, Ugbade, admitted there’s a little fear in his team, but it’s just a morale boost. So, they’ll be prepared to avoid any case of losing at crucial stages.
“We have respect and a little fear, knowing that we can lose. So, with that, we have to prepare so it doesn’t come to pass, losing.”
Nigeria is making her 10th appearance at the biennial tournament. And winning twice on the previous occasions.
Nigeria will play their first game of the tournament against Zambia on 30 April, 2023. Meanwhile, all their group fixtures will happen in Constantine, Algeria.
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For the records, Nigeria qualified for the tournament by winning the WAFU-BÂ championship last year. They beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the finals to win the title.
Nigeria last won the AFCON U-17 championship in 2007, a decade and six years ago.
The biennial competition will be played between 29 April and 19 May 2023.
