The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced a roster of 26 players for the country’s involvement in the 2023 Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria.

Among the players, 16 were selected from diverse football academies throughout the country, while the rest of the players came from amateur club sides.

Nigeria’s internationally acclaimed Golden Eaglets are set to finalize their preparations in the Algerian city of Constantine for their upcoming tournament, where they will play against other African football teams such as Morocco and Zambia.

The team, initially supposed to finish their preparations in Germany, faced complications with procuring entry visas for their scheduled training camp there. The NFF decided to send the squad earlier to Algeria for a final build-up.

According to Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, Constantine, a famous city, is the ideal location because it is where the Eaglets will take on other African teams in Group B.

Nigeria’s Eaglets are five-time world champions, won the WAFU B Under-17 Championship in Cape Coast, Ghana in June, and have demonstrated potential during their preparations for the forthcoming competition.

During their friendly matches, the team won 11 of 12 matches, scoring 66 goals and conceding 14, before they left for Algeria.

Nigeria will compete against Zambia on April 30th at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui.

The top four teams in Algeria will qualify to participate in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup finals, to be held later this year.

The following is the list of the selected 26 players who will be participating in the 2023 Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria:

1. Richard Odoh (HB Football Academy)

2. Yahaya Danjuma Lawali (Mahanaim FC)

3. Emmanuel Michael (Simon Ben Football Academy)

4. Haruna Abdullahi (Kurfi Tigers Academy)

5. Tochukwu Joseph Ogboji (Purple Crown Academy)

6. Jeremiah Oluwaseyi Olaleke (Ablaze Football Academy)

7. Umar Abubakar (Divine Football Academy)

8. Abubakar Idris Abdullahi (Jega United)

9. Precious Tonye Williams (HB Football Academy)

10. Ifeoluwa Adewale Olowoporoku (Triple 44 Academy)

11. Charles Adah Agada (Mavlon FC)

12. Hope Yusuf Linus (E.E. Sporting Club)

13. Jubril Opeyemi Azeez (Right Vision Choice Academy)

14. Anongu Isaac Aondoakaa (FC Bathel Sporting)

15. Israel Nwachukwu Usulor (Real Sapphire FC)

16. Temiloluwa Oluwayimika Adelakin (Box2Box Academy)

17. Simon Karshe Cletus (Mavlon FC)

18. Tochukwu Simeon Ogbadibo (Jossy United)

19. Light Chijioke Eke (C&C Football Academy)

20. Favour Oluwasegun Daniel (G12 Football Academy)

21. Chijioke Julius Linus (Triple 44 Academy)

22. Quadri Oluwatobiloba Adewale (Nathaniel Boys FC)

23. Gift Ukeh Adie (Paul E Football Academy)

24. Musa Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire FC)

25. Usman Ajibola Owoyemi (Triple 44 Academy)

26. Matthew Awodi Kingsley (Brook House Academy)