Coach of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets Nduka Ugbade has cautioned his players not to underrate their opponents while informing that Nigeria aim to become Africa’s most successful team in the lowest age cadre of continental competition by winning the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria.
The tactician said: “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 added; “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.