U17 AFCON: Golden Eaglets reject favourites tag

Golden Eaglets captain, Precious Williams has rejected the ‘favourites’ tag as they prepare to face Zambia in their opening match at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Algeria 2023.

Nigeria have qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup 12 times and have won the tournament five times but Williams says the Eaglets cannot be tag favourites at Algeria 2023 because all players are new to the Continental experience.

‘No, we are not favorites. Every team that has come here deserves to be here and our group is equally strong. Every team in there is a tough one. We are here
to expose our talents and show what we can do as a team and also achieve the targets that we have set, which includes qualifying for the World Cup,’ the
striker stated at the pre-match conference Saturday in Constantine.

Head coach Nduka Ugbade agrees with his captain and says they are only focused on doing their best and taking a game at a time, to achieve their set goals.

‘This is a very difficult group and everyone can win it. For us, we have prepared well and ready for our first match. We don’t fear anyone but we respect all
the teams,’ he noted.

Zambia and Nigeria have met once at this tournament, in 2015, with the Golden Eaglets winning 3-1.

Victor Osimhen scored twice with Kelechi Nwakali adding the third, while another current senior team star, Patson Daka, scored Zambia’s
consolation.