S P R T

NFF charges Golden Eaglets to win U-17 AFCON

By Amaechi Agbo

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has charged the nation’s U-17 male team, the Golden Eaglets to win the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and also pick the ticket to FIFA World Cup, www. bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The federation dropped the charge on Tuesday after its Executive Committee meeting in Abuja last night.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the federation noted that the team will have a final 10-day camping in a yet to be named North African country prior to the tournament which holds in Algeria in month

“After appraising the preparations that have been afforded the team precompetition, including a proposed 10-day final camping programme in North Africa, the Board minced no words in charging the U17 Boys’ National Team (Golden Eaglets) to deploy its best efforts in overcoming all before it to win the Africa U17 Cup of Nations taking place in Algeria between 29 April and 19 May, and in the process earning a ticket to the FIFA u17 World Cup finals taking place later this year,” part of the statement read.

Nigeria is paired in Group B along Morocco, South Africa and Zambia.

The Nduka Ugbade led teenagers will begin their campaign on April 30 against Zambia at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine

They will take on Morocco three days later at the same stadium before they round off their preliminary campaign with a clash against South Africa on May 6 at the same venue

A total of 12 teams are participating in the tournament which starts from April 29 to May 19, 2023.

The last four semi-finalists will represent Africa at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup later in the year.

Cameroon are the defending champions, having won the 2019 edition as the 2021 edition was cancelled.