This afternoon’s U17 AFCON qualifying semifinal between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire has been dubbed “the biggest game of our lives” by Golden Eaglets coach Nduka Ugbade.
“The match against Cote d’Ivoire is of high importance to us,” Ugbade said ahead of the epic clash.
“I have reminded the players that this is one of the biggest matches of their lives.
“They must win to secure a ticket to the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, and from there to several opportunities and possibilities.
“Whatever we have done here (beating Ghana and Togo) will not mean much if we don’t go all and grab our ticket to the AFCON and to the final.
“We will throw everything into the fray.”
The Eaglets have looked impressive especially going forward with skipper Precious Williams, Kevwe Iyede and Light Eke scoring two goals apiece.
Midfielder Ebube Okere and winger Jubril Azeez have also caught eye.
However, they will come up against defending champions Cote d’Ivoire, who thrashed Niger 6-1 in a group game and who beat Nigeria 3-2 in last year’s final in Togo.
