Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets started their campaign at the ongoing 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Zambia.

The Golden Eaglets, who have participated in the tournament a record 10 times and have won it twice in 2001 and 2007 are eager to reclaim their position as the premier team in African youth football.

The team had a strong start to the game, but Shedrack Kalyati’s outstanding goalkeeping kept them from scoring.

Early in the game, a goal by Nduka Ugbade’s team was disallowed for offside but it was good enough to unsettle their opponents.

The Zambians started off apprehensive but later settled down and produced a number of half-chances.

The Nigerian sides could not produce goals needed to lift the team despite their overwhelming dominance in the first half.

The match-winning goal was scored 14 minutes from time when Favour Daniel pounced on a loose ball.

Light Eke missed a chance to double Nigeria’s lead in stoppage time after he missed from the penalty spot.

The Nigerian sides will face Morocco in their next game in the competition at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui on Wednesday.

The Confederation of African Football launched the U17 tournament in Mali in 1995, and the Golden Eaglets were defeated by their West African rivals, Ghana’s Black Starlets, in that inaugural edition.

The Eaglets failed to qualify for the 1997 finals and were eliminated in the group stage in Guinea in 1999.

The 26-player squad
Richard Odoh (HB Football Academy)

Yahaya Danjuma Lawali (Mahanaim FC)

Emmanuel Michael (Simon Ben Football Academy)

Haruna Abdullahi (Kurfi Tigers Academy)

Tochukwu Joseph Ogboji (Purple Crown Academy)

Jeremiah Oluwaseyi Olaleke (Ablaze Football Academy)

Umar Abubakar (Devine Football Academy)

Abubakar Idris Abdullahi (Jega United)

Precious Tonye Williams (HB Football Academy)

Ifeoluwa Adewale Olowoporoku (Triple 44 Academy)

Charles Adah Agada (Mavlon FC)

Hope Yusuf Linus (E.E. Sporting Club)

Jubril Opeyemi Azeez (Right Vision Choice Academy)

Anongu Isaac Aondoakaa (FC Bathel Sporting)

Israel Nwachukwu Usulor (Real Sapphire FC)

Temiloluwa Oluwayimika Adelakin (Box2Box Academy)

Simon Karshe Cletus (Mavlon FC)

Tochukwu Simeon Ogbadibo (Jossy United)

Light Chijioke Eke (C&C Football Academy)