Nigeria U-17 Vs Zambia U-17: Match Preview
Nigeria will face Zambia in the opening Group B clash of the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations tournament on Sunday April 30. See Match preview in this report.
MATCH DETAILS
Competition: Africa U-17 Cup of Nations
Fixture: Nigeria U-17 Vs Zambia U-17
Date: Sunday April 30, 2023
Time: 5 pm (Nigerian time)
Venue: Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui, Constantine
HEAD-TO-HEAD
At U-17 level, Nigeria and Zambia have met on one occasion and it ended in a 3-1 win for Nigeria. That game in Niamey saw Victor Osimhen score two goals while Kelechi Nwakali scored the other as the Eaglets strolled past Zambia.
NIGERIA AND ZAMBIA AT THE U-17 AFCON
Nigeria will be participating in it’s 10th U-17 AFCON. The most in the competition history.
The Golden Eaglets have won the title on two occasions, the last 16-years ago (2007).
Zambia will be hitting a second appearance when they file out vs Nigeria. The only other attempt ended in the group stage.
COACHES
Nigeria`s team is handled by Coach Nduka Ugbade. A man who has won the U-17 World Cup as a player and coach.
The Junior Chipolopolo are managed by Ian Bakala.
TEAM NEWS
Both teams will start the tournament with a clean bill of health. The coaches will have a clear picture of who they want to name in the starting XI.
At the Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui, Constantine, a win for either team will be the goal on Sunday evening.
“Nigeria is a very strong team like I told you because we build a lot of capacity to meet up the demand that is placed upon us when we go for the competitions,” Nigeria’s Coach Nduka Ugbade told the Press.
“The issue here is that Zambia is as well a wonderful nation. Morocco, Cameroon, Algeria – all these countries in the competition are very good. Even the one that we don’t think that will qualify, Somalia have done so well.
“So I have the mind that Nigeria, I’m not going to tell you that we are going to go all the way because it’s difficult to say this.
“Anything can happen and before you know it the end comes for Nigeria. The thing is that we are going to stand on our feet and do the best that we can, and see how we are able to go and how far we can.” he added.
For Zambia, Coach Ian Makala believes they will be tagged as underdogs but will fight to make history.
“History has to be broken. This is the time to take Zambia up and make our name stronger.”
” We are here on a mission and the mission has to be complete. We might be the underdogs but we will show that we can also compete,” said the team’s head coach Ian Baka
OTHERS
The other teams in group B are Morroco and South Africa.
SPORTSRATION SAYS
The Golden Eaglets will start as favourites vs Zambia.
By virtue of Nigeria’s pedigree in this competition plus performances put in by the Eaglets in preparation, expect a win for Nduka Ugbade’s boys.
Score Prediction: Nigeria 3-0 Zambia
