THE Golden Eaglets will no longer have a training camp in Germany for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations billed for Algeria from April 29 to May 19.
Instead, the squad left for Algeria today for the competition to spend a few extra days in the host country before the tournament kicks off.
The Nigeria Football Federation explained today that there were “complications in the process of securing entry visas into Germany”, which led to the change of plans.
The squad, made up of 26 players and led by head coach Nduka Ugbade, are due to arrive in Constantine, Algeria this evening for their final preparations after taking off from Abuja earlier today.
Head coach Ugbade, who captained Nigeria to win the inaugural World Cup in the age group in China in 1985, is full of confidence that his team will make Nigeria proud at the continental competition.
The five-time world champions will play Morocco, Zambia and South Africa in Group B of the African tournament, which also serves as the qualifying competition for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“We are going to Algeria with confidence but with level heads. We’re the champions of WAFU B, but in essence, nothing has been won,” Ugbade said.
“What matters now are winning a ticket to the FIFA World Cup and winning the Africa Cup. I believe we have the boys to do the job.”
The Golden Eaglets won the WAFU B U-17 Championship in Cape Coast, Ghana last June, and have been on a goals spree in their friendly matches against local teams in preparation for the U-17 AFCON.
After resuming camp in March following the break for the general elections, the Eaglets played 12 friendly matches at their NFF/FIFA Goal Project, Abuja base, winning 11 of the matches and drawing the other one. They scored 66 goals and conceded 14.
They will begin their campaign for at the 12-team tournament in Algeria next Sunday against Zambia at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui in Constantine.
Ugbade’s boys will then face Morocco on May 3 and South Africa three days later to complete the group stages.
The top four teams in Algeria will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals scheduled for later this year, with the hosts not yet decided after Peru pulled out.
GOLDEN EAGLETS SQUAD FOR U-17 AFCON
Richard Odoh (HB Football Academy)
Yahaya Danjuma Lawali (Mahanaim FC)
Emmanuel Michael (Simon Ben Football Academy)
Haruna Abdullahi (Kurfi Tigers Academy)
Tochukwu Joseph Ogboji (Purple Crown Academy)
Jeremiah Oluwaseyi Olaleke (Ablaze Football Academy)
Umar Abubakar (Devine Football Academy)
Abubakar Idris Abdullahi (Jega United)
Precious Tonye Williams (HB Football Academy)
Ifeoluwa Adewale Olowoporoku (Triple 44 Academy)
Charles Adah Agada (Mavlon FC)
Hope Yusuf Linus (E.E. Sporting Club)
Jubril Opeyemi Azeez (Right Vision Choice Academy)
Anongu Isaac Aondoakaa (FC Bathel Sporting)
Israel Nwachukwu Usulor (Real Sapphire FC)
Temiloluwa Oluwayimika Adelakin (Box2Box Academy)
Simon Karshe Cletus (Mavlon FC)
Tochukwu Simeon Ogbadibo (Jossy United)
Light Chijioke Eke (C&C Football Academy)
Favour Oluwasegun Daniel (G12 Football Academy)
Chijioke Julius Linus (Triple 44 Academy)
Quadri Oluwatobiloba Adewale (Nathaniel Boys FC)
Gift Ukeh Adie (Paul E Football Academy)
Musa Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire FC)
Usman Ajibola Owoyemi (Triple 44 Academy)
Matthew Awodi Kingsley (Brook House Academy)
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