Nigeria aim to become the continent’s most successful team in the lowest age cadre of continental competition if they go all the way to clinch the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Algeria 2023.
But, head coach Nduka Ugbade has urged caution from his boys.
Nigeria is one of only five countries to have won the title two times, and victory in Algeria will hoist them to three titles, making them the most successful. Ugbade knows the task ahead is not an easy one.
“It is going to be very difficult, with all due respect to all the teams which have qualified. But, we are not coming here to participate. Everyone knows Nigeria is a footballing nation and we are coming here to compete,” the tactician said.
He adds; “We are confident in our preparation and what we have done before the tournament, but we have to do everything humanly possible to win it because every team is tough and if you are not careful, you will find yourself out of the competition.”
Nigeria are drawn in a tough Group B that also includes Zambia, South Africa and Morocco, one that Ugbade regards as the tournament’s group of death.
He says making it out of this group will require heart, hard work and sacrifice, and notes he will not be surprised if a team from the group gets to the final.
“This is a very difficult group. I believe that one team from this group will get to the final, but that is just me thinking. Football is not calculated that way. There are many good teams in the tournament, and even Somalia who are making their debut can surprise,” he noted.
The former Nigerian international believes the unique characteristics in his team will sail them through.
“We are a relentless team, a team that pursues every opponent till the end of the 90 minutes. We are unique in nature in the way we play,” the coach notes.
The first target for the Golden Eagles will be qualification for the World Cup for the 13th time, a tournament they have won five times before. That will require them to get to the semi-finals.
The other target, will be to clinch the title. “We are taking a match at a time and not rushing ahead of ourselves,” the 53-year old added.
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