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U17 Afcon: Emmanuel Babayaro backs Golden Eaglets to excel in Algeria
Published
2 years agoon
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Babayaro believes Nigeria will present a more formidable and stronger squad for the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations coming up in April.
The Golden Eaglets won the WAFU B U17 tournament in Cape Coast, Ghana last year and continued preparation for the continental showpiece, with six friendly matches so far, won four and lost two, netting 28 goals and conceded nine times but fans and stakeholders alike are worried about the chances of the set up on the continent.
And the member 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup winning squad in Japan, feels Nduka Ugbade-led side is on the right track with the series of friendly games lined up ahead of their AFCON outing.
“I must commend the NFF for opening the Golden Eaglets camp early enough for the coaches to adequately prepare the young boys and I think Nduka Ugbade and the rest coaches are on the right track,” Babayaro told the media in Abuja.
“It is good to play many friendly games as possible. It is part of the learning curve for the young boys. Every coach wants his team to win every game, but it can be a blessing when you lose a friendly game.
“It helps the coach to realistically appraise his team’s situation and appreciate the fact that his team is not invincible. I knew the Eaglets have played some friendly games. Won some and lost two as they continue their preparation for the AFCON U-17 tournament.
“This is good. I am very certain that the Eaglets will become better and stronger as they continue to play more friendly games in their build-up to the tournament. And at the end of their preparations, a more formidable, stronger than the team Nigerians saw in WAFU B U -17 tournament in Ghana will be presented in Algeria.
“Ugbade is experienced enough and has an excellent pedigree. He understands the U-17 football terrain and I wish him and the team success in Algeria,” he said.
The two-time African champions were placed in Group B alongside Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa.
The tournament which is scheduled to take place in Algeria from April 29 to May 19, 2023, will feature 12 countries where the four semi-finalists will represent Africa in the FIFA U17 World Cup finals later in the year.
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