Despite qualifying for the World Cup a massive 12 times and winning it in five, Nigeria's Golden Eagles are quick to reject the 'favourites' tag as they prepare for their opening match at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Algeria 2023.
Nigeria, two-time winners of the U17 African title, kick off their campaign on Sunday with a tricky tie against Zambia at the Mohamed Hamloui Stadium in Constantine.
Skipper Precious Williams has been quick to state that all players are new to the Continental experience and as thus cannot be regarded as favorites.
"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.
Head coach Nduka Ugbade affirms as much 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.
Looking on towards their opening match against Zambia, Ugbade says they expect a tough game against the Southern Africans though he admits they do not have much insight into how they play.
"I played against Zambia at the 1994 Cup of Nations and we won 2-1 and I know that Zambia is a great football nation. We know they will be good and they will come out strongly. We have to be prepared for them," the coach stated.
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.
Nigeria know history might not repeat itself, and they are not relying on past success to fly over the Young Chipolopolo on Sunday.
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