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Tag: Golden Eaglets

  • U17 AFCON Q/Final: We are ready for Burkina Faso – Golden Eaglets Coach

    U17 AFCON Q/Final: We are ready for Burkina Faso – Golden Eaglets Coach

    Golden Eaglets coach, Nduka Ugbade has said the Nigerian Under 17 team is well prepared for the quarter-final encounter against Burkina Faso in the ongoing U17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ugbade disclosed this during a press briefing, where he stressed that the Golden Eaglets are focused and working hard towards achieving success.

    “We had an interesting match with South Africa and it has prepared us well for further challenges in the competition. We learnt a lot playing Zambia, Morocco and South Africa – all strong teams – in the group phase and that was good furnace for us to be a better squad.

    “The quarter-final matches will be very hard nuts to crack because that is the step that earns you the World Cup ticket. None of the four games will be easy.

    “Our interest is Burkina Faso and we are working hard towards achieving success. We have not come this far to drop out. My boys are focused hard on the World Cup ticket. After that, we can then focus on other objectives,” he said.

    TNG reports the Golden Eaglets had earlier arrived in Algiers for the crunch quarter-final match against Burkina Faso on Thursday. They played all their group games in Constantine and will now look for good tidings in Algiers.

  • U17 AFCON: How Golden Eaglets came from behind twice to beat South Africa

    U17 AFCON: How Golden Eaglets came from behind twice to beat South Africa

    Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets are through to the quarter-finals of the ongoing Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Algeria.

    Nigeria defeated their South African counterparts 3-2 in a very entertaining game at the Stade Mohamed Hamlouai in Constantine on Saturday.

    Nigeria were behind twice in the game with Vicky Mkhawana opening scoring for the South Africans after a corner-kick five minutes into the game.

    Thirty minutes later, Charles Agada scored the equaliser via a powerful header to level for Nigeria.

    But the South Africans quickly took the lead three minutes into first half added time via Siyabonga Mabena with a great solo effort.

    First minute into the second half, Light Eke tapped in to score for his side to bring them back into the game.

    It was Abubakar Abdullahi’s finish via a low cross from Emmanuel Michael 25 minutes later that gave Nigeria the lead and the maximum three points in the game.

    Nigeria join Morocco in the knockout stage from Group B after two wins from three games.

  • Algeria 2023: We are expecting a tough encounter with South Africa – Golden Eaglets coach, Ugbade

    Algeria 2023: We are expecting a tough encounter with South Africa – Golden Eaglets coach, Ugbade

    Ahead of tonight’s last group B encounter with the Amajimbos of South Africa, Golden Eaglets head coach, Nduka Ugbade has noted that he’s expecting a tough match at the 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations taking place in Algeria.

    The last group B match that will decide who takes the quarter-final slot  will hold  at the Stade Mohammed Hamlaoui in Constantine.

    Currently, the Nigerian side sit in second position in Group B with three points from two games.

    Ugbade’s side need just a point to seal a place in the quater-finals of the

    The Amajimbos are on similar point with the Golden Eaglets but have inferior goal difference.

    “We are prepared against South Africa, we saw the game they played against Zambia, totally different from the first one,” Ugbade said in a short video posted on NFF TV.

    “When you look critically to the situation the two of them met at the COSAFA and Zambia won 1-0. I’ve seen the whole team, very strong team my concern is more about development.”

    The game will kick-off at 8pm Nigerian time.

  • 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.

     

  • Under 17 AFCON: Golden Eaglets walk tight rope after losing to Morocco

    Under 17 AFCON: Golden Eaglets walk tight rope after losing to Morocco

    Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets on Wednesday in Constantine lost 0-1 for Morocco to earn all three points and sail into the quarter-finals of the Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations.

    The Golden Eaglets wasted a basketful of opportunities in a match they dominated for large periods in the Algerian city.

    An own goal by Tochukwu Ogboji as early as the second minute was all the Moroccans, who beat South Africa’s Amajimbo 2-0 on the opening day, needed.

    They are now within a step of booking a spot at this year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup, in spite of having their last group match against Zambia and then the quarter-finals.

    As it was 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 sending the ball skywards after Emmanuel Michael put him through in the 21st minute.

    Team 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 in spite of 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 face South Africa on Saturday, needing victory in order to be assured of qualification to the last eight.

    However, failure to win on Saturday may not end it all for them.

    A good group phase statistics can help them emerge as one of the two third-place finishers who will join in the quarter-finals.

  • 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.

  • U17 AFCON: Golden Eaglets beat Zambia 1-0

    U17 AFCON: Golden Eaglets beat Zambia 1-0

    Two-time champions Nigeria on Sunday picked all three points in a 1-0 win over Zambia to commence their Africa U17 Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Algeria on a promising note.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Favour Daniel struck powerfully past the Zambian goal-tender from a goalmouth melee 14 minutes to the end of the game.

    The goal gave Nigeria all the honours in a largely average encounter that opened the campaign in Group B.

    Nigeria dominated for large swatches of the evening at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui.

    But ineffective short passes and poor shooting in front of goal denied them an avalanche of goals against a Zambian team that failed to bite.

    Both teams hit the woodwork in the first period and Abubakar Abdullahi saw his efforts saved twice as Nigeria piled on the pressure.

    The five-time world champions were set to take a two-goal win into their clash with Morocco on Wednesday but substitute Light Eke made light work of a penalty kick awarded two minutes into additional time and gave the goalkeeper no worries.

    Nigeria’s defender Yahaya Lawali was named Man of the Match.

    Meanwhile, in their encounter, Morocco beat South Africa by 2 goals.

    The Nduka Ugbade’s team will face Morocco on Wednesday before meeting South Africa in their final match of Group B on Saturday.

    The four top-placed teams at the 12-nation finals will represent Africa at the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup.

  • U-17 AFCON: South Africa unleashes teenage Nigerian against Golden Eaglets

    U-17 AFCON: South Africa unleashes teenage Nigerian against Golden Eaglets

    Nigerian-born forward, Michael Dokunmu has been named in the South African U-17 squad to the 2023 Cup of Nations.

    South African head coach, Duncan Crowie included the teenage Nigerian in his 23-man squad for the 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

    Dokunmu, who plays for Dutch club, Vitesse Arnhem was born to Nigerian parents in Kimberly, South Africa.

    The 17-year-old was eligible to play for Nigeria and South Africa but has opted to represent the latter

    The teenager is in line to face the Golden Eaglets in the competition with Nigeria and South Africa drawn in the same group.

    Nigeria and South Africa will clash at the Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine on May 6.

    Morocco and Zambia are the other countries in the group.

  • Nigeria beat Burkina Faso to win WAFU B Under-17 Championship

    Five-time world champions Golden Eaglets on Friday edged the Young Stallions of Burkina Faso 2-1 to win the WAFU B Under-17 Championship at the Cape Coast Stadium in Ghana.

    The victory for Nigeria has come barely few weeks after they claimed the WAFU B Under-20 Championship.

    Then, they had beaten neighbours Republic of Benin in Niger Republic to claim the title.

    The under-17 championship’s final match saw Nigeria on the front foot early as forward Abubakar Abdullahi threatened the Burkinabe rear as early as the 8th minute.

    That was when his low drive streamed away from goal.

    But in the 22nd minute, Abdullahi made up for the missed chance as he rose highest in the box to powerfully nod Emmanuel Michael’s perfect delivery into the net.

    Abdullahi missed another golden opportunity to grab a brace, as he flulled his lines, thereby allowing the Stallions a respite.

    The miss would knock hard seven minutes later, when Abdulramane Ouedraogo, equalised for Burkina Faso also with a header.

    Two minutes into the second half, Abdullahi got his brace and Nigeria’s second goal, giving the Golden Eaglets a 2-1 lead.

    Twelve minutes later, he should have made it a hat-trick with Nigeria’s third but he lost the opportunity.

    The loss could once more have proved costly, as the Stallions broke forward, only to see Nigeria goalkeeper Richard Odoh come up with a magnificent save.

    Ebube Okeke rocked the crossbar from 25 yards in the 67th minute.

    But there were to be no more goals as Nigeria collected a second regional diadem at youth level.

    At the end of the game, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Odoh was selected the Man-of-the-Match.

    His compatriot Emmanuel Michael had won the prize in all three previous matches —-against Ghana, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire.

  • WAFU B U 17: Ugbade pumps up Eaglets’ spirit ahead final against Etalons

    Head Coach Nduka Ugbade has told his Nigeria U17 boys they still have grounds to conquer despite securing a ticket to the Africa U17 Cup of Nations taking place in Algeria next year.

     “We are going into the Final match, and we are up against Burkina Faso, a team that has won all its four matches in this competition. We have also won our three matches here but we must win the fourth and final one to clinch the trophy. Let us not allow Burkina Faso to play five matches and win all five matches. We must work assiduously to win all our four matches here to be the only undefeated team of the tournament,” Ugbade told the Golden Eaglets at a training session in Cape Coast on Wednesday.

     Ugbade and the Eaglets have drawn rave reviews so far at the WAFU B U17 Championship, after scoring 10 goals in their three matches, while conceding only four, as left back Emmanuel Michael picked up the Man-of-the-Match award in each of the three games.

     While Nigeria did the business in a three-team Group A that also included hosts Ghana and Togo, Burkina Faso were in the four-team Group that included Niger Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Benin Republic. The Young Etalons dominated them all, and then pipped three-time world champions Ghana 1-0 in the second semi final on Tuesday to set up a potentially explosive Final with the Golden Eaglets.

     Deadball revelation Emmanuel Michael will be the cynosure of eyes at the Cape Coast Stadium on Friday evening, having scored thrice from free-kicks for Nigeria in this tournament. The match begins at 6.30pm Ghana time (7.30pm Nigeria time).

     

    Nigeria and Burkina Faso are already qualified to the Africa U17 Championship which Algeria will host next year, and from which Africa’s flagbearers to next year’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Peru will emerge.

     

    Victory on Friday evening will mean Nigeria have swept the stakes in youth football in the seven-nation WAFU B within one month, with the U20 Boys (Flying Eagles) having won the WAFU B U20 Championship in Niger Republic just last month.