U-17 AFCON: Golden Eaglets Focused On Knocking Out Burkina Faso - Ugbade

Nduka Ugbade, the head coach of the Golden Eaglets, says his team is focused on defeating Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals of the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations to earn a World Cup ticket.

The Eaglets edged past South Africa 3-2 to reach the last eight of the competition in a dramatic fashion last Saturday.

“We had an interesting match with South Africa and it has prepared us well for further challenges in the competition," Ugbade said in his post-match interview.

"We learnt a lot playing Zambia, Morocco and South Africa – all strong teams – in the group phase and that was a good furnace for us to be a better squad."

He conceded that trading tackles with Burkina Faso, who came from behind to knock out Cup holders Cameroon 2-1, won't be a walk in the park for his players who he believes are ready to step up to the challenge.

“The quarter-final matches will be very hard nuts to crack because that is the step that earns you the World Cup ticket.

"None of the four games will be easy. Our interest is Burkina Faso and we are working hard towards achieving success.

“We have not come this far to drop out. My boys are focused hard on the World Cup ticket.

"After that, we can then focus on other objectives,” Ugbade added.

The match between Nigeria and Burkina Faso is billed for Thursday by 8 pm.

Should the Eaglets win the quarter-final match, they will earn Nigeria the opportunity to go for a record-extending sixth FIFA U17 World Cup title.