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Tag: Algeria 2023

  • Argentina 2023: Ambassador Ikurusi charges Flying Eagles to go for glory

    Argentina 2023: Ambassador Ikurusi charges Flying Eagles to go for glory

    The Nigerian Ambassador to Argentina, His Excellency Mr. Philip Ikurusi has charged the Flying Eagles to not only evoke the spirit of their 1989 and 2005 predecessors, but to also go a step further by winning for Nigeria for the very first time the FIFA U20 World Cup trophy in Argentina this summer.

    Mr. Ikurusi made the call when he visited the team’s camp at Howard Johnson Hotel & Resorts in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina on Tuesday evening.

    The diplomat also advised the players to be focused and play as a unit, as success in football can only be achieved through team work.

    “I am here to officially welcome you to Argentina, the host nation of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup finals.

    “It is heartwarming that our dear nation will be among the 24 nations that will take part in this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup. It is also on record that we have played the final of this tournament on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005 and I believe this present set can surpass the record of your predecessors by lifting the coveted trophy for the first time.”

    The Flying Eagles, who finished third at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt earlier in the year, will tackle Dominican Republic, Italy and Brazil in that order in Group D of the three-week global fiesta commencing next week Saturday.

    “I believe with hard work, commitment and dedication, you can do it by overpowering all opposition before you and getting your hands on the trophy.”

    Ambassador Ikurusi further called on the players to be of good conduct and behaviour during their stay in the South American nation.

    Responding, Head Coach of the Flying Eagles, Isah Ladan Bosso expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the visit while promising the team is ready to make the nation proud.

    Two-time runners-up Nigeria will get their campaign off the ground on Monday, 21 May when they go up against the Dominican Republic in Mendoza. Their other matches in the group phase are against Italy (also in Mendoza) on 24 May and against Brazil (in La Plata) on 27 May.

  • Ugbade: Match against Burkina Faso will be interesting

    Ugbade: Match against Burkina Faso will be interesting

    The quarter – final game between Nigeria and Burkina Faso at the ongoing Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria is going to be a very interesting game, according to Nduka Ugbade, Head Coach of the Golden Eaglets.

    Ugbade disclosed this on Wednesday at the pre -match press conference at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, as he noted that both teams are not strangers to each other having met at the final of WAFU B U17 tournament in Ghana, where Nigeria triumphed 2 -1.

    “The game is going to be very interesting. At the WAFU B tournament, we had Togo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Niger and Burkina Faso. We did well to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the final.

    “The only difference is that, this is AFCON, but surely is going to be an interesting game and very important game because victory will guarantee qualification for the FIFA World Cup.”

    In a related development, Emmanuel Michael, who scored three goals at the WAFU B U17 tournament, said his teammates have respect for Burkina Faso. He, however assured Nigerians that the Eaglets will work very hard to win the game.

    “We respect Burkina Faso, very good team. The team loves to play and never gives up.

    “We hope to win the game. We will work very hard, play to the instructions of our coaches and win the game to qualify for the World Cup.”

  • Algeria 2023: Golden Eaglets to battle Burkina Faso for World Cup ticket

    Algeria 2023: Golden Eaglets to battle Burkina Faso for World Cup ticket

    Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will trade tackles with the U-17 side of Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals of the 2023 U-17 AFCON in Algeria.

    Burkina Faso came from a goal down to beat defending champions Cameroon 2-1 in their final Group C game on Sunday to initiate a clash with the Golden Eaglet.

    Burkina Faso lost 1-0 to Mali in their first game of the tournament while Cameroon fell 2-0 to the Malians.

    Going into Sunday’s game, a draw would have suited both Burkina Faso and Cameroon to go through to the last eight.

    While the Burkinabes eventually progressed, Cameroon crashed out no thanks to the defeat.

    The Cameroon U-17 side are the defending champions having won the tournament in 2021.

    The Eaglets booked their place into the knockout stage after coming from behind twice to defeat South Africa 3-2 in Saturday.

    Nduka Ugbade side will take on their quarter-final opponent on Thursday, May 11.

    Meanwhile, other quarter-final pairing will see Senegal take on South Africa, Morocco tackle Algeria and Mali battle Congo.

    All four semi-finalist will secure a spot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup slated for Peru later in the year.

  • Algeria 2023: Ugbade says his boys want to go all the way after sweet victory over Amajimbo

    Algeria 2023: Ugbade says his boys want to go all the way after sweet victory over Amajimbo

    Nduka Ugbade captained the first Nigerian squad to win a FIFA World Cup, in 1985, and was assistant coach when the Golden Eaglets won the FIFA U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates 10 years ago. He also took a FIFA U20 World Cup silver medal in 1989. Now, he is looking to lead the Nigeria U17 team to win the Africa U17 Cup of Nations as preparatory to giving the FIFA U17 World Cup a shot later this year.

    “These boys have now picked up the confidence they needed following the defeat by Morocco and they are now looking forward to going all the way here,” Ugbade said on Sunday following the Golden Eaglets’ 3-2 win over South Africa in their last match of Group B in Constantine on Saturday.

    Vicky Mkhawana steered the Amajimbo ahead in the 6th minute of the encounter, from South Africa’s first corner kick of the match, and Nigeria equalized in the 33rd minute also through a corner kick as Charles Agada powerfully nodded into the net with the Amajimbo goalkeeper stranded.

    Much against the run of play, the Amajimbo restored their lead with a fabulous solo goal in stoppage time by Siyabonga Mabena.

    Undeterred, the five-time world champions restored parity when Light Eke finished coolly from a low cross by Charles Agada, two minutes into the second period.

    The Nigerians were completely in control afterwards, and Abdullahi Abubakar scored his first goal of the competition with a calm finish in the 63rd minute.

    “This victory has restored the boys’ confidence. We needed such a win going into the knock-out rounds and it is our belief that we can handle the pressure there.

    “The loss to Morocco was also a good lesson for us. When you’re at a championship, you need a winning mentality, but also a match that provides good lessons along the way. Both factors make for a very strong and ready squad.”

    The Golden Eaglets will play the winner of the clash between Cameroon and Burkina Faso (Group C) in the quarter finals on Thursday.

  • Algeria 2023: Golden Eaglets beat South Africa 3-2 to grab quarter-final ticket

    Algeria 2023: Golden Eaglets beat South Africa 3-2 to grab quarter-final ticket

    Algeria 2023: Golden Eaglets overpower South Africa 3-2 to reach quarter-finals

    Five-time world champions Nigeria, who pipped Zambia 1-0 in their opening match but then lost by the same margin to Morocco in their second game, fell behind as early as the 6th minute when Amajimbo drew the first blood by converting from their very first corner kick.

    The Eaglets had the ball in the net four minutes later but it was ruled off-side. They continued to knock as Tockukwu Ogbadibo’s shot proved too weak to trouble the opposing goalkeeper and Light Eke’s header missed target.

    Charles Agada, who also had been knocking on the door, brought Nigeria level in the 33rd minute when he nodded into the net from a corner kick with South Africa’s goalkeeper in no man’s land.

    South Africa shot ahead once more but Light Eke restored Nigeria into the game two minutes after the restart.

    Abubakar Abdullahi shot Nigeria into the lead for the first time in the match in the 63rd minute, and it remained that way as the Eaglets finished with six points and in second place in Group B, behind Morocco who also ended with six points but with superior goals difference.

  • Algeria 2023: South Africa coach, Crowie talks tough ahead Golden Eaglets clash

    Algeria 2023: South Africa coach, Crowie talks tough ahead Golden Eaglets clash

    Ahead of the last group B encounter between the Golden Eaglets and the Amajimbos  of South Africa, the coach of the South African side,  Duncan Crowie has said that the Nigerian side will be given a run for their money.

    Nigeria’s Golden Eaglet currently occupy the second position while the Amajimbos occupy the 3rd position as a result of the deficit in goal difference.

    The clash against the Golden Eaglets will determine who joins Morocco in the quarter-finals of the competition.

    “Nothing is done yet. This is a tough group and anything can happen. We still have work to do but at least now we have a win to work with. We will just need a draw in that match to get through,” Crowie was quoted by CAFonline.

    The game will hold at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, Constantine.

    Four teams will represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup slated to hold later this year.

     

  • Algeria 2023: Morocco pip Eaglets to reach quarter finals

    Algeria 2023: Morocco pip Eaglets to reach quarter finals

    Morocco earned all three points to sail into the quarter-finals of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations as the Golden Eaglets wasted a basketful of opportunities in a match they dominated for large periods in Constantine on Wednesday.

    An own goal by Tochukwu Ogboji as early as the 2nd minute was all the Moroccans, who downed South Africa’s Amajimbo 2-0 on the opening day, needed to make it within a step of booking a spot at this year’s FIFA U17 World Cup.

    As happened in their opening match against Zambia, the Eaglets created chance after chance but pathetically lacked precision in front of goal.

    Abubakar Abdullahi should have done better than balloon the ball skywards after Emmanuel Michael put him through in the 21st minute, and captain Precious Williams also failed to make hay as the North Africans mounted an impregnable rearguard.

    Defender Yahaya Lawali, who was again picked as Man-of-the-Match despite Nigeria’s loss, shot towards the sky with a through ball in the 69th minute. Substitutes Light Eke and Adewale Quadri provided the only real tests for the Moroccan goalkeeper in a frantic second period.

    The Eaglets will now play South Africa on Saturday, and victory is imperative in order to be assured of qualification to the last eight.

  • Algeria 2023: Gusau charges Eaglets to overpower Morocco and book last-eight spot

    Algeria 2023: Gusau charges Eaglets to overpower Morocco and book last-eight spot

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has inspired the Golden Eaglets to go for another three points in tomorrow’s clash with Morocco’s U17 team in order to book an early spot in the tournament quarter-finals.

    The NFF supremo, on a visit to the team camp in Constantine on Monday night, in company with Member of NFF Board, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi and General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, reiterated that the boys need to give their all to defeat group leaders Morocco and climb to the top of the pool ahead of the final Group B matches on Saturday.

    “Let me start by congratulating you on your victory over Zambia on Sunday. It was a tough game but your quality showed in your ability to pick the three points. However, nothing has been won yet. You must go all out against Morocco to achieve victory and bounce back to the top of the group.

    “It is important to assure of your qualification to the knock-out rounds early so that you avoid all kinds of permutations before the last match of the group phase. Nigerians are watching and supporting you in scores of millions and you cannot afford to disappoint our people.”

    Favour Daniel’s strike from a goalmouth melee, 14 minutes from time, handed the five-time world champions all three points against Zambia at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui on Sunday evening. Morocco defeated South Africa’s Amajimbo 2-0 hours later to leap to the top of the group on a goal advantage over the Eaglets.

    As a 12-nation tournament, the first two top-placed teams in each of the three groups will advance to the quarter-finals, alongside the best two third-placed teams. The quarter-final matches will produce the four semi-finalists, who will also automatically qualify as Africa’s representatives at this year’s FIFA U17 World Cup finals.

    On Sunday, just before they left the hotel for the stadium, the delegation received Nigeria’s Ambassador to Algeria, Mrs Aisha Muhammed Garba who came with some top-ranking officials of the Embassy of Nigeria, all the way from Algiers. She encouraged the team to aim for the trophy as more than 200 million Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora are rooting for them to triumph at the continental fiesta.

    Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football has named Malian official Ousmane Diakate as referee for Wednesday’s clash between Nigeria and Morocco in Constantine. Queency Clodia Victoire from Mauritius will be assistant referee 1 and Cape Verde’s Djêry Gomes Lopes will be assistant referee 2. Ben Amisy Tsimanohitsy from Madagascar will serve as fourth official.

    Negash Teklit Negassi from Eritrea will be the match commissioner and Raphael Evehe Divine from Cameroon will be in the role of referee assessor. Gabonese Eric Otogo Castane will be general coordinator.

  • Algeria 2023: Nigeria, 11 others to know group phase foes on Wednesday

    Algeria 2023: Nigeria, 11 others to know group phase foes on Wednesday

    The draw ceremony for this year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations will hold on Wednesday at the Cercle Nationale d’Armee in Algiers, capital city of Algeria.

    Five-time world champions Nigeria is one of the 12 countries whose names will go into the pot for the draw, as all participating teams get to know their group phase opponents for the tournament scheduled for 8th – 30th April in Africa’s largest nation.

    All the 12 participating nations are now known: Algeria, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Somalia, South Sudan, Zambia, South Africa, Cameroon and Congo.

    The 12 teams will be drawn into three groups of four teams each, with the four top-placed teams qualifying to represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U17 World Cup finals taking place in Peru later this year.

  • Algeria 2023: Ugbade calls 48 players to camp in Abuja

    Algeria 2023: Ugbade calls 48 players to camp in Abuja

    Nigeria’s U17 squad, Golden Eaglets will begin their preparations for this year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations on Monday, after Head Coach Nduka Ugbade called 48 players to camp in Nigeria’s federal capital.

    The invitees, which include most of the bunch that won the WAFU B U17 Championship in the Ghanaian city of Cape Coast last summer, have been told to report to Abuja on Friday, 20th January 2023.

    The Africa U17 Cup of Nations has been scheduled for Algeria 8th – 30th April, from which the four top-placed teams will qualify to fly Africa’s flag at the FIFA U17 World Cup finals that will be staged in Peru 10th November – 2nd December.

    Nigeria are five-time champions of the FIFA U17 World Cup after triumphs in China in 1985, Japan in 1993, Korea Republic in 2007, United Arab Emirates in 2013 and Chile in 2015.

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

    Richard Odoh, Hameed Ayomide Balogun, Ebube Wisdom Okere, Umar Abubakar, Tochukwu Simeon Ogbabido, Tochukwu Joseph Ogboji, Utibe Friday Silas, Emmanuel Osaro Onotu, Jubril Odeyemi Azeez, Faruq Jimoh, Kevwe Onomigho Iyede, Suleiman Shehu, Abdullahi Buhari, Victor Divine Emmanuel, Daniel Ayomide Egunshola, Abubakar Shuaibu, Ozor Victor Okeke, Emmanuel Michael, Miracle Jackson Ogwor, Light Chijioke Eke, Raphael Oyebanjo, Miracle Agabi Williams, Yahaya Danjuma Lawali, Prince Oche Bawa, Favour Oluwasegun Daniel, Precious Tonye Williams, Jerry Patrick Ogbole, Emmanuel Junior Chidi, Mubarak Emmanuel Suleiman, Abubakar Ibrahim Zubairu, Richard Oliseamaka Uche, Joseph Oluwatobi Robert, Michael Uche Ogba, John Auta, Shola Oluwafemi Kolo, Pascal Obioma Uzoho, Victor Friday, Itaribo Ayebaekepriye, Jeremiah Oluwaseyi Olaleke, Basil Chimaobi Mbata, Oluwadare Olodan, Precious Benjamin, Tochukwu Michael Agbo, Samuel Aderibigbe, Abubakar Idris Abdullahi, Umar Jamiu, Tijjani Mohammed, Abdullahi Haruna