U17 AFCON: Nduka Ugbade proud of Golden Eaglets despite Morocco loss

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Coach of Nigeria U-17 team, Nduka Ugbade has praised his team despite a 1-0 loss to its Moroccan counterparts  in the second group game of the 2023 U-17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday in Algeria.

Tochukwu Ogboji’s unfortunate own goal in the first half handed the record World Champions its first loss of the Tournament at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine.

Nigeria played all the football, but couldn’t find the back of the net despite having a whooping 27 shots at goal, but only four of them landed on target and the manager refused to be disappointed in his wards.

“Everything worked absolutely well. We controlled the game but tactically Morocco controlled the outcome,” the former World Cup winner told CAFOnline.com.

“We had some few mistakes as well but we created so many chances, and the only problem is that we couldn’t score.

“It does happen in football. It is not a strange thing, but it is important to correct and ensure we are more efficient in front of goal.”

Nigeria now has a daunting task against South Africa on May 6 in the final group game with a winners take all clash and Ugbade says they will give their all.

“We must be more efficient with the chances we have. We will try to look for some different ways tactically to impact the outcome of the game. We have a chance, but also, that chance can fade away. We have to work hard.”

Nigeria has not won the title since their last conquest in 2007, and Ugbade remains hopeful that they can put their campaign back on track as they search for a third crown.

The team needs to avoid defeat against South Africa to make it to the quarter-final and a defeat will leave the West African side with the only hope of getting one of the two best third-placed finish to make it to the last eight.