TheCable

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expects nothing but the trophy from the Golden Eaglets, as they begin their campaign for the 11th African U-17 Championship in Niger Republic on Sunday.

NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, said in Abuja on Friday that as champions of the world, the Eaglets have no business finishing lower than first place at the continental finals.

“The NFF is giving the Golden Eaglets total support to conquer in Niger Republic. Our belief is that we have a team to conquer Africa. As champions of the world, we have no reason not to win in Africa,” he said.

“Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and his assistants have been doing a great job. I watched the team a number of times and I could see in the players the hunger to achieve.”

The Nigerian delegation of 21 players and 10 officials, led by NFF’s director of competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, arrived in Niamey on Thursday for the championship.

The Eaglets will play the host Niger Republic in their first game. Then face Guinea on February 18th and then with Zambia on 21st.

Their first two matches are at the General Seyni Kountche Stadium, while the third is at the Stade Municipal, which has artificial turf.

All four semi-finalists at the championship in Niamey will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup taking place in Chile between September 17th and November 8th, 2015.

Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and South Africa are in Group B.