Eaglets not only about revenge as Nigeria tackles Niger Republic

Assistant coach, Nduka Ugbade. Photo/modernghana

The Golden Eaglets say they are not only thinking of revenge when they meet hosts, Niger Republic in one of the semifinals of the on-going African U-17 Nations Cup qualifying series today.

Rather, they also want the win that will take them closer to the final match and the lone ticket to the main event in Tanzania next year.

Niger Republic stopped Nigeria from defending the FIFA U-17 World Cup it won in 2015 when they eliminated the team in the qualifying series in 2016.

Speaking on today’s game, the team’s assistant coach, Nduka Ugbade told a local website that it would be a tragedy if Nigeria allowed the hosts to have another one over them, adding this is the chance to show which team is the better side.

Although the Eaglets will be up against the hosts and their fans, Ugbade is sure the boys will do enough to get the better of Niger Republic in the semifinal clash in Niamey billed to start by 7.30 p.m. at Seyni Kountche Stadium.

Niger boasts a solid defence, which has not conceded any goal so far, but in the Eaglets’ attack, the hosts face a difficult task in stopping a team that has scored seven times.

Ugbade said: “We were beaten by Niger the other time. We will do battle against them again no matter the situation, and we will end up as winners, God willing.”

The winner of the match will meet the winner of the other semifinal between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire also today.