U17 AFCON: Nigeria to face South Africa, Morocco in ‘group of death’

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have been drawn against South Africa, Morocco and Zambia for 2023 U-17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

In the draw ceremony which was held in Algiers, Algeria, the Eaglets were placed in Group B for the age-grade continental showpiece.

Uduka Ugbade’s boys are handed a tough draw that would see them face Morocco, the winner of the north African zone, and Zambia, the champion of the south zone, with South Africa, a perennial rival.

Group A has Algeria, Senegal, DR Congo and Somalia while Group C comprises of Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso and South Sudan.

All set for the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 group stage 🤩

The most difficult group is ……. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/2hNby40Bkx

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 1, 2023

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TheCable had reported that at least 32 players from the Cameroon U-17 squad were disqualified after failing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) screening aimed to verify their age.

The fifteenth edition of the U-17 AFCON is scheduled to take place from April 29 to May 19 in Algeria.

The Eaglets qualified for the tournament after winning the U-17 WAFU B championship last year.

They defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 in the final of the tournament held in Ivory Coast.

The Eaglets have won the U17 AFCON twice in 2001 and 2007.

The top four teams from the 2023 edition will represent Africa at the U-17 World Cup billed for Peru in November.