Future Eagles: Nigeria's U16 to head to Japan on Sunday for 4-nation tournament

Future Eagles: Nigeria's U16 to head to Japan on Sunday for 4-nation tournament

Jidechi Chidiezie 22:46 - 26.05.2023

The Japan-hosted Dream Cup invitational will see Nigeria compete against the hosts, as well as, the Netherlands and the United States.

Nigeria's national under-16 side, the Future Eagles will depart the country on Sunday, May 28, for a four-nation tournament scheduled to hold in Japan. from Wednesday, May 31.

Ahead of the trip this weekend, the head coach of the Future Eagles Haruna Ilerika has extended invitations to 25 players ahead of the tournament.

Future Eagles wrap up Abuja camping

The team who had been in two phases of camping in the Federal Capital, Abuja, in the past two months, had won seven of its eight friendly matches and lost only one. This Sunday, they will depart for Japan via the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.

The Japan-hosted Dream Cup invitational will see Nigeria compete against the hosts, as well as, the Netherlands and the United States.

The Future Eagles will take on The Netherlands in their opening fixture of the tournament.

Four-nation tournament for players' development - U15 coach

According to coach Ilerika, the competition is solely about development, citing that the players selected for the team can progress, either to play in the U17 or U20 teams.

"The dream of every coach is to win laurels and tournaments for themselves," the U16 coach said, according to BSN Sports.

Future Eagles Head Coach, Haruna Ilerika
Future Eagles Head Coach, Haruna Ilerika

"But at the same time, when you are looking at youth development it's not really about winning at that level, but about how you can identify those that can be bigger at a later stage.

"Either at the U17, U20 or even the Super Eagles, one should go with the mindset of defending your country and winning. Give the boys the mileage of being a champion, and give your country the onions of champions as well.

"But that does not mean when results go bad, that certain positives are not attained from participating in the tournament," coach Ilerika added.

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