Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-09 03:28:29
Nigeria’s U-15 boys, known as the Future Eagles, will be traveling to Spain today to participate in a UEFA U-16 Development Tournament. This special invitation is a testament to Nigeria’s success in youth football, having won five world titles at the U-17 boys’ level and reaching the FIFA World Cup final twice at the U-20 level.
In preparation for the tournament, the Future Eagles underwent a week of training at the Remo Stars’ Sports Institute in Ikenne. During this time, they played two matches against the Remo Stars’ U16 boys (Beyond Limits FC), winning one and losing the other. Just last month, the team, under the guidance of coach Patrick Bassey, also had a two-match tour of Morocco where they won one and lost one against their Moroccan counterparts.
The UEFA U16 Tournament will be held at the Pinatar Arena Football Centre in San Pedro del Pinatar, evoking memories of the UEFA-CAF U-17 Meridian Tournament that started in 1997 but was discontinued a decade later. Nigeria had emerged victorious in the inaugural tournament in 1997, defeating the Spain U-17 team 3-2 in the final in Lisbon, Portugal.
During the upcoming tournament, the Future Eagles will face Belgium on April 12th, Italy on April 14th, and England on April 17th. The delegation inclusive of 20 players will be led by Zannah Mohammed Malah, a member of the NFF Technical and Development Committee.
The Future Eagles’ journey to Spain signifies an opportunity for the young talents to showcase their skills on an international stage and continue the tradition of Nigerian success in youth football. This tournament serves as a platform for the players to gain valuable experience, develop their talents, and compete against top teams from around the world.
As they embark on this exciting opportunity, the Future Eagles will bring their determination, skill, and teamwork to the field as they strive to make Nigeria proud. The tournament in Spain will not only be a test of their abilities but also a chance for them to learn, grow, and further solidify their place in the world of youth football.
With a rich history of success in youth football, the Future Eagles are ready to make their mark in Spain and show the world the talent and potential that Nigeria possesses. This tournament is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for these young athletes as they continue to soar and strive for greatness in the world of football.
