Nigeria Golden Eaglets has landed in Constantine, Algeria, to begin final preparations for the 2017 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
The Nigeria Football Federation decided to send the team earlier to Algeria for the final build-up, and Constantine, the renowned city where the Eaglets will play Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa in Group B, is the choice.
The decision was made as a result of difficulties encountered in the process of obtaining entry visa into Germany for a planned final training camp in that country.
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In Cape Coast, Ghana, ten months ago, the wards of FIFA Cadet World Cup-winning captain Nduka Ugbade blew all opposition aside to win the WAFU B U17 Championship, and they have demonstrated incredible firepower in their preparations for the continental championship.
The Eaglets played 12 friendlies at their NFF/FIFA Goal Project, Abuja base after returning to training in mid-March after the break for the national elections, winning 11 of them and drawing the other.
They totalled 66 goals scored and 14 goals allowed.
“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.
“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,” Ugbade said before the team left Nigeria on Sunday.
On Sunday of next week, against Zambia, at the 22,000-seat Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, Nigeria will begin her bid for honors in the 12-team continental championship. After that, they will participate in Group B matches against South Africa and Morocco.
The top four teams in Algeria will go to the finals of the FIFA U17 World Cup, which will take place later this year.
THE 26 PLAYERS IN ALGERIA:
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)