Future Eagles Arrive Casablanca Ahead of Friendlies Against Morocco

Future Eagles Arrive Casablanca Ahead of Friendlies Against Morocco

Players and officials of Nigeria’s U15 Boys, fondly called Future Eagles, arrived in Casablanca, Morocco at the early hours of Wednesday, 11th December where the team is scheduled to face their Moroccan counterparts in two international friendly games.

This will be the team's first international experience since the inception of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) in the country.

The delegation of 22 players, including Bendel Insurance U-15 captain Dominion Osaghae Ighodaro and six officials, with Coach Patrick Bassey as the head of the coaching crew arrived in Casablanca, at about 11 AM. 

They will be involved in two friendly matches scheduled for the Complexe Mohammed VI de Football on the 12th and 15th December. Kick-off time is 5pm local time on both days.

Shortly before departure, Head of delegation, Nasiru Jibril said playing Morocco is a deliberate plan and a pragmatic way of equipping the young, talented players discovered in the country through the FIFA Talent Development Scheme.

He noted that exposing the players to the best facilities and playing internationally will further shape the country’s preparation for annual AFCON U17 and annual FIFA U17 tournaments respectively.

“With the introduction of the annual U17 AFCON and FIFA World Cup, it is going to be difficult if we don’t have such a programme going on for us. I think the FIFA Talent Development Scheme has come at the right time, and it is helpful to Nigeria football. 

Morocco is the place where we have the most access, in terms of an organized place where we can go to, and people who already have the same kind of project we have running. 

Therefore, it is easier and better for us to go and play their own team because they have a team similar to our own.” Nasiru said.

The 22 FUTURE EAGLES SQUAD IN MOROCCO

Goalkeepers: Isaac Tomiwa (Mees Palace); Johnson Amaagudi (Ajarah FA); Somtochukwu Ibe (Adoration FC).

Defenders: Nicodemus Gideon (Relentless FA); Raphael Umah (Udi Stars FA); Luka Ephraim (Sporting Lagos); Muhammad Shamsudeen (Mavlon FC); Samuel Yusuf (Stormer FA).

Midfielders: Praise Averwosou (Morak FC); Uwem Bassey (2S Academy); Farwas Adeleke (Lanreleke FA); Raheem Salaudeen (Buruj FC); Kunle Tokode (White Caps FC, Canada); Osaghae Ighodaro Dominion (Bendel Insurance Youth Team); Obasahon Emmanuel (Dynamo FA).