Some of the top Super Eagles stars currently shining on the global stage are Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, and Taiwo Awoniyi, who made their names at the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
As the Nigerian team prepares to kick off its campaign at the 2023 World Cup in Algeria, such stories thrill the players, and skipper Precious Williams is one of those aiming to follow in their footsteps and shine likewise.
"Watching them at the highest level and knowing that they started here at the U17 Cup of Nations is a huge encouragement." "It offers us players hope that we can do it as well," Williams adds.
"Personally, it is a huge motivation for me, and I hope that from here, I will lift my name high as well," he says.
Nigeria has qualified for the tournament a record of ten times and is one of just five countries to have won it twice since the competition's new format began in 1995.
As they prepare for the 2023 showcase, skipper Williams, who plays at the HB Football Academy in Abuja, says their two primary goals are to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and to win a hattrick of titles.
The 16-year-old striker says they have been preparing well for the competition and are excited to meet their goals.
"Our coaches have put in their work to prepare us for the games, and now we are coming in to use the knowledge they have instilled in us to achieve what we want: qualifying for the World Cup and trying to win the tournament," Williams added.
Teams that advance to the semi-finals will inevitably win a spot in the next World Cup, which will be held later in the year, and for an event they have won five times previously, the Golden Eaglets will be the least expected.
Meanwhile, Williams hopes that this competition will serve as an entry point to a long and glorious career, propelling him into the Super Eagles in a few years.
"It's a very special moment for me to wear the national team jersey, and I want to progress to the Super Eagles from here." "This is just the beginning, and I hope it continues," he said.
Nigeria meets Zambia in their first encounter of the tournament on Sunday at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine.
Read the original article on CAF.
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