Nigeria set to reopen final training camp for U17 Africa Cup of Nations

The Nigeria U17 men’s national team are set to return to training on Wednesday ahead of their U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) outing slated for Algeria in April.

The team went on an electoral break as the nations decide the future of the state with the conclusion of the presidential and national legislative elections.

The five-time champions of the U17 FIFA World Cup skipped training to go on break for the polls held on February 25 but will however resume training amidst gubernatorial polls.

The Golden Eaglets won the WAFU B U17 tournament in Cape Coast, Ghana last year and continued preparation for the continental showpiece, with six friendlies, won four and lost two, netting 28 goals and conceded nine times.

“Wednesday has been fixed for a kick start of the team’s second phase of training, as the players and coaches are back to base, and also with all logistics in place,” a source told the media.

“We don’t want to take chances as the tournament is fast coming. In so doing, and just as they did before the break, the Eaglets will play test games against academy teams to prepare them for the task ahead.”

The 16-nation tournament which serves as Africa’s qualifier for the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup will see the four semifinalists represent Africa in Peru in November.

Nigeria have been drawn alongside Morocco, South Africa, and Zambia in Group B of the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.