Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – Nigeria’s U17 football team has set out to win the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and winning their opening match has given them a huge psychological boost according to Nigeria’s head coach Nduka Ugbade.
In an exclusive interview, Ugbade stated that winning the first game was important, and it sets the team up nicely for the rest of the tournament. He has advised his young players to maintain their form and not to underestimate their opponents despite their opening victory.
The Nigerian team beat Tanzania 5-4 in a keenly contested game in Group A, and they will face Algeria in their next match. Ugbade believes that the winning mentality shown in their opening match should inspire his team to greater achievements.
“We have been training hard for this tournament and winning the first match was our goal. I’m happy that my team showed character and resilience in that game. It was a difficult game, but they dug deep and showed that they have what it takes to go all the way,” Ugbade said.
The coach also praised the efforts of his players, saying that they are improving with each game, and they have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in this tournament.
“We have a good mix of new and experienced players, and they are all determined to make their mark in this tournament. Our objective is to win the trophy, and we are taking it one game at a time,” he added.
The TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations has attracted a lot of attention from fans across Africa, with many looking forward to seeing the young talented footballers taking the stage. The tournament is also an opportunity for scouts and agents to spot talent for their respective clubs.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s coach Nduka Ugbade is optimistic that his team will go all the way in this tournament. Winning their opening match has boosted their confidence, and his young team is keen to show that they are a match for any team in this tournament. The coach has urged his team to maintain their focus and form, stating that anything is possible in football.
