“We want to play at the World Cup”- Golden Eaglets defender

The Golden Eaglets need just one more win to book a spot at the Under-17 World Cup later this year, and they are willing to work their socks off to get it

Golden Eaglets defender Emmanuel Michael has asserted that the team’s target is to defeat Burkina Faso and qualify for the 2023 World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Golden Eaglets take on Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.

Nigeria have a tough battle in their hands, as Burkina Faso finished second in their group after defeating defending champions Cameroon.

However, the team boasts of quality players that can do the damage when the opportunity is available.

The last time the Golden Eaglets failed to advance past the quarterfinal stage of the AFCON was the 2017 edition, and they would not want a repeat of that.

Ahead of their game against Burkina Faso, defender Michael has expressed optimism over the team’s chances of winning.

“We have prepared well for this match and we are ready for the tie,” Michael told CAF Media.

“We want to give our best as a good result will qualify us for the World Cup and this is our ambition.”

A victory for Nigeria would not just give them a semifinal spot at the AFCON, it would also seal their place at the World Cup.