Head Coach Nduka Ugbade says the Nigeria U17 technical team of which he is the head is working quietly but diligently and assiduously to raise a squad capable of doing Nigeria proud at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria.
Ugbade, who has assisted a couple of coaches to win the FIFA U17 World Cup for Nigeria, is in charge this time and has shepherded his wards to the African finals after winning the WAFU B Championship in Ghana last summer.
The Africa U17 Cup of Nations will take place 29th April – 19th May in Algeria, with five-time world champions Nigeria drawn alongside Morocco, South Africa and Zambia in a potentially-explosive Group B, with venue in Constantine
“We know that some work still has to be done within the next few weeks to put the team in great form. I am happy with the level of work we have done and the kind of playing personnel at our disposal.
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“I believe everything will come together beautifully and we will have a team that will do the country proud at the tournament,” said Ugbade, who captained Nigeria’s U16 squad to win the inaugural FIFA tourney in China 38 years ago.
A fortnight ago, the Golden Eaglets returned to camp in Abuja for the final phase of their preparations for the U17 AFCON, and three days ago, hammered Mahanaim FC 4-2 in a friendly match at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project within the Moshood Abiola National Stadium complex.
Mahanaim stunned the Eaglets with a goal against the run of play, but the Nigerian cadets responded quickly with a well-taken free-kick to end the first half 1-1. In the second half, the Eaglets dominated with three more goals while Mahanaim was only able to score once.
The Eaglets will have a final camping programme in Europe before flying to Algeria for the continental finals, where the four top-placed teams will qualify to represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Peru.
6 Comments
A lot is expected of this team and I’m confident of their Victory. This was the only honest appointment by NFF of all the national team Coaches.
You are so right Sugar. Xxx
Follow who know road. We are following you Ugbade the tactician. Best wushes. The Zambians, Moroccans will not be easy but surmountable.
The only team and coach that i have confidence in. From the review above, it shows the team is being built to be technically strong. Time will tell.
I trust the coach. I had the privilege of speaking with one of the players and from what i heard Nduka Ugbade is a gem for Nigeria. I pray soon Siasia and Amunike will be given super eagles and Enyeama as keeper trainer
I concur my brother