Ugbade mulls over Nigeria versus Burkina Faso AFCON U-17 quarter-finals battle

By Rasheed Adewuyi

The quarter – final game between Nigeria and Burkina Faso at the ongoing Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria is going to be a very interesting game, according to Nduka Ugbade, Head Coach of the Golden Eaglets.

Ugbade disclosed this on Wednesday at the pre -match press conference at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, as he noted that both teams are not strangers to each other having met at the final of WAFU B U-17 tournament in Ghana, where Nigeria triumphed 2 -1.

“The game is going to be very interesting. At the WAFU B tournament, we had Togo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Niger and Burkina Faso. We did well to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the final.

“The only difference is that, this is AFCON, but surely is going to be an interesting game and very important game because victory will guarantee qualification for the FIFA World Cup.”

In a related development, Emmanuel Michael, who scored three goals at the WAFU B U-17 tournament, said his teammates have respect for Burkina Faso. He, however assured Nigerians that the Eaglets will work very hard to win the game.

“We respect Burkina Faso, very good team. The team loves to play and never gives up.

“We hope to win the game. We will work very hard, play to the instructions of our coaches and win the game to qualify for the World Cup.“