Golden Eaglets’ coach Nduka Ugbade said his objective was to ensure Nigeria pick a ticket to 2023 AFCON U17 Championship in Algeria, adding his wards will be ready for tomorrow’s semi-final tie against Baby Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.
The Golden Eaglets had earlier recorded two wins in as many matches in the sub-regional championship with impressive 4-2 and 3-1 victories against Ghana and Togo from their three-team preliminary Group A.
“ The semi-final will be very interesting but our focus remains the same; to pick the ticket for the U-17 AFCON in Algeria,” Ugbade, captain of the all-conquering Golden Eaglets class of 1985, told NationSport.“ The standard of this competition is very high as such we must be at the top of our game both technically and tactically with a lot of information against our opponent on Tuesday.”
Speaking further, the former Nigeria international said he has some talented players to turn the tide in favour of the Eaglets against the Baby Elephants.
Meanwhile, Nigerien Football Federation president, Hamidou Djibrilla Hima has tipped the Golden Eaglets to edge the Baby Elephants in the semi-finals, adding Nigeria represents WAFU-B best hope at next year’s U-17 AFCON .
Hamidou in company of WAFU-B President, Edwin Simeon-Okraku, said as much when he visited the Golden Eaglets camp yesterday.
Simeon-Okraku on his part enjoyed the Golden Eaglets to follow the track of their successful predecessors at this level.
“ Nigeria belongs to a top echelon of African football and with a history of many players who grew through the ranks and were successful not only in Nigeria but all over the world, Simeon-Okraku who doubles as Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, noted.“Therefore, you must aspire and such stories must also inspire you. “
Incidentally, the Black Starlets of Ghana will also be seeking a final spot as they take on Burkina Faso in the other semi-final tomorrow.
Nigeria versus Cote d’Ivoire game will kick-off 5pm Nigerian time tomorrow to be followed immediately with the Ghana versus Burkina Faso duel at the Cape Coast Stadium.