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    2022 U-17 WAFU B:’ We Will Subdue Côte d’Ivoire’ —Golden Eaglets Coach, Ugbade

    James AgberebiBy Updated:23 Comments2 Mins Read
    Head Coach Nduka Ugbade has assured that Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will go all out against their Ivorian counterparts in Tuesday’s first semi final match of the ongoing WAFU B U17 Championship in Cape Coast, Ghana. Both teams take to the pitch of the 15,000 –capacity facility at 3pm Ghana time (4pm Nigeria time) before the second semi final between hosts Ghana and Burkina Faso at the same venue. “The match against Cote d’Ivoire is of high importance to us. In fact, I have reminded the players that this one is the biggest match of their lives. They must win to secure a ticket to the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, and from there to the U17 World Cup, and from there to several opportunities and possibilities. “Whatever we have done here (beating Ghana and Togo) will not mean much if we don’t go all out and grab our ticket to the AFCON and to the Final. We will throw everything into the fray.” The Eaglets, five-time world champions, decimated Ghana’s Black Starlets 4-2 in the tournament opener and then eased past Togo’s Young Sparrowhawks 3-1 to finish as Group A winners. The Ivorians finished as runners-up of Group B, dominated by Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons. Victory in Tuesday’s encounter will send the Eaglets into the Final and with an opportunity to reclaim the WAFU B U17 title they won in Niamey, Niger Republic four years ago. It also provides the Nigerian youngsters a revenge platform against the Ivorians, who defeated them in the Final of the same competition in Lome early last year. Both Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire qualified for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations from that tournament but the event was cancelled as hosts Morocco developed cold feet with the covid-19 pandemic still biting in some countries. Meanwhile, President of the Ghana Football Association, Simeon Kurt-Okraku on Sunday visited the camp of the Golden Eaglets in his capacity as President of WAFU B region. He reminded the lads that Nigeria belongs to the top echelon of football –playing nations on the African continent, and has produced so many world –class players. He charged the boys to always adhere to the instructions of their coaches in order to grow, advance and excel in the beautiful game.

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    Golden Eaglets head coach Nduka Ugbade has expressed confidence that his side will subdue Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-finals of the U-17 WAFU B on Tuesday.

    The last four of the regional qualifying tournament will kick off today (Tuesday) with Nigeria, hosts Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso vying for the two available tickets for next year’s U-17 AFCON in Algeria.

    The first semi-finals is between the Eaglets and Cote d’Ivoire inside the Cape Coast Stadium.

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    While the second semi-final clash will see Ghana battle Burkina Faso.

    And speaking ahead of the tie with Cote d’Ivoire, Ugbade described it as the most important match for his team.

    “By the special grace of God we will subdue Ivory Coast and qualify,” Ugbade said on Brila FM.”Because like I said to them the trophy is not important you must win the last match to win the trophy and this is not the last match this is the most important match, win this one and you are assured to get to the finals in Algeria.”

    To get to this stage the Eaglets beat Ghana 4-2 in the opening game in Group A before overcoming Togo 3-1 in their second group game.

    The U-17 AFCON in Algeria will serve as qualifiers for the World Cup in Peru.


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    James Agberebi

    James is a sport content creator and also does analysis on sports. Also, James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men and women national teams.
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    23 Comments

    7. KING TUOYO on

      The match is currently 1 – 1 as at 42nd minute of play. The Ivorians are so tall and dominating play from what have seen so far. The Eaglets are playing their toughest opponent so far as far as the tournament is concerned. This match can go either way but I pray our Golden Eaglets carries the day.

      Reply
    10. Ololo on

      The civ side are dangerous..
      Aside the Emmanuel Michael efforts, we have played nothing.. probably the too many chances we made for this game brought the poor play by our boys.. pls bring back the regular players in the second half and they should pls focus and not play to the gallery

      Reply
      • josh on

        I beg to disagree with you. This is the kind of game you get when you play a team that is physically bigger than you. These eaglets are relatively young and I’m proud of them. You can see the youthful exuberance in them. You see the way they hug themselves, applaud and acknowledge one another throughout the entire first half. You only see these attributes when kids and youth play set (I hope you understand what I’m trying to say).
        They have played well and have had more cutting edge chances than the Ivorians. The only concern I have is the right back. If he calms down and play to his own strength, then, we can be rest assured that the eaglet will score more goals.

        Reply
    11. KING TUOYO on

      Thank God, the Golden Eaglets have done a first half comeback and are now leading 2-1 against the Ivorians courtesy of a free kick from the specialist, Emmanuel Michael.

      Come second half, we need to tighten our defense as the Ivorians will come all out for equalizer. I see more goals from both sides.

      Reply
    12. Ololo on

      We don’t even have a very good winger who can dribble his way and give a good pass.. how can a Left back be our Best player.. no Sharp no 9.. we can obviously do better

      Reply
    15. josh on

      @ Ololo, I hope you enjoyed the 2nd half. The boys did settle down to play their game and were never for once under any pressure. You can clearly see their youthful exuberance. That is a sign that they are relatively young. With more friendly matches, especially with European team, this team will go places.
      It is always better to go to a competition with players that are within the age bracket than go parade clearly overage boy/men for competition. I’m proud of this team and we can only encourage them and the coach that selected them..

      Reply
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