2023 Afcon draws: Golden Eaglets to trade tackles with South Africa, Morocco

The Eaglets are the most successful cadet team in the world and their hunt for a third continent crown kicks off in April

The Nigeria U-17 national tea will begin their pursuit of a record third title at the 2023 African Cup of Nations on tricky grounds after the Golden Eaglets were drawn against some of the continent’s toughest sides on Wednesday.

In the draw ceremony held at the Cercle National de l’Armée in Algiers, the Eaglets were placed in Group B together with North African powerhouse Morocco, rivals South Africa and first-timers Zambia.

The Golden Eaglets are the most successful cadet team on planet earth with five titles but the West African giants have only won the u-17 Afcon twice – in 2001 and 2007.

Hosts Algeria have been drawn in a relatively straightforward Group A with Senegal, Congo, and Somalia.

Group C appears to be the toughest on paper, where two former champions Cameroon and Mali will lock horns alongside 2001 bronze medalists Burkina Faso and newcomers South Sudan.

The 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, the competition’s 15th edition, will kick off on 29 April and run through to 19 May.

FULL DRAW

Group A (Algier)
Algeria
Senegal
Congo
Somalia

Group B (Constantine)
Nigeria
Morocco
South Africa
Zambia

Group C (Annaba)
Cameroon
Mali
Burkina Faso
South Sudan