Nduka Ugbade remains proud of his Golden Eaglets team despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Morocco in their second Group B of the ongoing U17 AFCON on Wednesday.

The five-time World Champions fell behind two minutes into the tie when Tochukwu Ogboji diverted a cross into his own net.

The team recovered from the set back, dominated the tie, but failed to find a way past the Moroccan defence.

Ugbade’s team were poor in the final third, attempting 27 shots at goal, but only four of them landed on target.

“Everything worked absolutely well. We controlled the game but tactically Morocco controlled the outcome. We had some few mistakes as well but we created so many chances, and the only problem is that we couldn’t score,” the Coach said.​

He added; “it does happen in football. It is not a strange thing, but it is important to correct and ensure we are more efficient in front of goal.”

Nigeria next face South Africa, and Ugbade admits the boys must improve, “We must be more efficient with the chances we have. We will try to look for some different ways tactically to impact the outcome of the game. We have a chance, but also, that chance can fade away. We have to work hard,” the coach noted.

Nigeria have not won the title since their last conquest in 2007, and Ugbade remains hopeful that they can put their campaign back on track as they search for a third crown.