The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled a list of 26 players chosen to represent Nigeria in the upcoming 2023 Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria. The roster consists of 16 players from football academies across the country and 10 from amateur clubs.
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, five-time world champions, are set to arrive in Constantine, Algeria, on Sunday night to finalize their preparations for the competition. The team was initially slated to complete their preparations in Germany, but complications arose in securing entry visas. Instead, the NFF decided to send the squad to Algeria for their final build-up in Constantine, where they will face Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa in Group B.
The Eaglets, coached by Nduka Ugbade, have shown impressive form during their preparations, winning 11 of their 12 friendly matches played at their FIFA Goal Project pitch base in Abuja. The team scored 66 goals while conceding only 14.
“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’s departure.
Nigeria will kick off their campaign at the 12-team continental championship on April 30 against Zambia at the 22,000-capacity Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui. They will then face Morocco and South Africa in other Group B matches. The top four teams in Algeria will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup finals later this year.
Below is the full list of 26 Golden Eaglets players selected for Algeria 2023 and their club sides:
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).
