U-17 AFCON Match Preview: Nigeria Vs Morocco
Head coach of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, Nduka Ugbade, says the match against Morocco in their second Group B match at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament on Wednesday in Constantine will be a massive tactical battle.
The tactician admitted that he is ‘afraid’ of Morocco himself, but notes that his side will fight till the end to clinch three points and move top of the group.
“It is going to be a very tough match and I must admit that I am very afraid of Morocco myself. But, we are going for just three things; win, win win,” Ugbade said in a press conference as he previewed the duel against the Atlas Cubs.
Morocco leads Group B with three points and a superior goal-difference after their 2-0 victory over South Africa on Match Day One, while the Golden Eaglets are second also with three points, but with only a goal following their opening day 1-0 win over Zambia.
Whoever wins the duel on Wednesday will affirm their place in the last eight and Ugbade says he wants this to be his side.
“Morocco is a very good tactical side. I watched a bit of their match against South Africa and I was impressed with how they played,” Ugbade added.
“They defend very well and are tactically disciplined and very compact. We are going to see a very big tactical battle.”
Golden Eaglets Forward Tochukwu Ogbabido also anticipates a huge battle for his side, but reckons they are on good confidence to grab a win and take over top of the group.
“Morocco is a really tough opponent and we respect them a lot. They are a good side and we saw this from their game against South Africa,” the Jossy United striker noted.
“We will definitely step up to do our best and try to create victory because it is important for us to advance to the next round.”
Meanwhile, coach Ugbade has admitted there were lots of areas of concern for them in their opening game, but they have worked to be better, though he still knows there will be mistakes.
“Of course at this age group there are very many errors you expect from these players, but the most important thing for them is that they keep improving and doing better every game,” coach Ugbade asaid.
“Against Morocco we need to control the game better and also make the best use of our chances.”
At the same time, Nigeria said they are not weighed down with pressure from their favourites tag, but are instead pleased and encouraged to prove themselves on the pitch.
The match kicks off at 17h00 local time at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine.
🚨M A T C H D A Y!
⚽️ Nigeria 🇳🇬 🆚 Morocco
🗓 3 May, 2023
⏱ 5:00 pm
🏟 Stade Mohammed Hamlaoui, Constantine
🏆 #AfconU17#SoarGoldenEaglets | #NGAMOR pic.twitter.com/E8zFN0mVnJ— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) May 3, 2023
