Nigeria`s U-17 AFCON target revealed as 26-Eaglets depart to Algeria
Nigeria`s target at the 2023 U-17 AFCON has been revealed as the team jets off to Algeria for the tournament in Algeria.
Francis Achi, the Media Officer of the Golden Eaglets revealed the two-time African Champions will focus on getting a ticket to the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup whilst taking a possible title win as an addition.
“We have been in camp for a long time now and have had lots of friendly matches during which the team have performed well, ” Achi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja ahead of the teams departure to Algeria.
“Everyone is very optimistic. The technical crew is impressed with the players’ performance and how they interpret the coaches’ instructions.
“Our target is to qualify for the World Cup. If we can do that and win the tournament as well, that would be great. But, for now, we will focus on the World Cup ticket,” he said.
On the mood in camp ahead of games vs Zambia, South Africa and Morocco in the group stage, Achi revealed the Eaglets are not afraid of any time and will take one game at a time.
“We are going to face top opposition, especially in the group stage where we will face Morocco, South Africa and Zambia.
“But we hope to take each game as it comes, one at a time. We are not afraid of any team, we will play our game and remain mentally focused,” Achi added.
Nigeria`s Golden Eaglets rounded off their preparations in Abuja with a resounding 5-1 win over Pride FC on Saturday April 22.
The Eaglets will get their 2023 U-17 AFCON campaign underway with a clash vs Zambia on April 30 in Constantine, Algeria. The Coach Nduka Ugbade tutored Nigerian boys will then face Morocco on May 3 before facing South Africa in their last group game three days later.
According to the teams spokesman, a Nigeria U-17 Eaglets contingent of 26-players alongside backroom and technical staff will fly directly to Algeria on Sunday April 23 where the team will have a week to acclimatize before their first game in 7-days.