The quarter-final 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 the Head coach of the Golden Eaglets, Nduka Ugbade.
This fixture stands between the Golden Eaglets and a 13th appearance in the FIFA U17 World Cup, as all the semifinalists will represent the continent in the 19th edition in November in a country yet to be determined.
At the pre -match press conference at Algiers’ Nelson Mandela Stadium, Ugbade 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, Côte d’Ivoire, 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 it’s going to be an interesting game and very important game because victory will guarantee qualification for the FIFA World Cup”.
Emmanuel Michael, who scored three goals at the WAFU B U17 tournament, also said that his teammates have respect for the Burkinabe. 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”.
Credit: NFF Communications Department
