Ahead of this month's U17 African Cup of Nations, head coach of Nigeria Golden Eaglets, Nduka Ugbade has assured Nigerians of a proud outing from his boys, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
Nduka Ugbade who is not new to the business at this stage having served as the assistant coach of the U17 between 2011-2013 will hope to lead Nigeria to their first triumph since 2007.
The Golden Eaglets under Nduka Ugbade secured their place in Algeria after beating Cote D'Ivoire 3-1 in the WAFU B semifinal.
They went on to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the final to ensure they get to Algeria with the champions status.
After waiting for sixteen years, Nduka Ugbade believes his side are capable of returning the country to glory days at the cadet level although the target is to take each game as they come.
"It's quite interesting. We have always been waiting for this moment. We will face every team as they come. One after the other," the former Remo Stars and MFM FC gaffer said.
"We are not talking about winning the AFCON. We are talking and planning about winning each match. One after the other. We will fight.
Nigeria is in group B alongside Morocco, Zambia and South Africa, a group Ugbade believes is probably the toughest group.
"That's most probably the toughest group. I have an idea of West, South, North and East African football. These are great nations but we are going to prepare ourselves for the onslaught."
Ugbade, full of confidence said all the teams will feel his lads in the tournament.
"Everyone of those teams will feel Nigeria. We have respect and a little fear knowing that we can lose. So with that we have to prepare so it doesn't come to pass losing."
Nigeria's group games will be played in Constantine. Their first game against Zambia on 30th April, 2023. Three days later they take on Morocco and ends the group campaign versus South Africa on the 6th of April, 2023.
By Oluwayemi Omolagba