By IJEOMA OKIGBO

Players and officials of Nigeria’s U15 Boys Future Eagles will depart the country in the early hours of Wednesday, for Morocco.

The team is scheduled to face their Moroccan counterparts in two international friendly games.

Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Head of Communications, said these in a statement on Tuesday.

He said that the trip to Morocco would be the team’s first international experience since the inception of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) in the country.

Head of delegation, Mr Nasiru Jibril said playing Morocco is a deliberate attempt and pragmatic way of equipping the young, talented players discovered in the country through the FIFA Talent Development Scheme.

He said that exposing the players to best facilities and playing internationally would further shape the country’s awakening with regards to the impending annual Under 17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA U17 tournaments.

“With the introduction of the annual U17 AFCON and FIFA World Cup, it is going to be really difficult if we don’t have such programmes going for us.

“I think the FIFA Talent Development Scheme has come at the right time, and is helpful to Nigeria football.

“Morocco is where you have the most access, in terms of an organised place where we can go to, and people who already have the same kind of project we have running.

“Therefore, it is easier and better for us to go and play their own team because they have a team similar to our own,” Jubril noted.

A delegation of 22 players and six officials, with Coach Patrick Bassey at the head of the coaching crew, will make the trip.

The two matches have been scheduled for the Complexe Mohammed VI de Football on Dec. 12 and Dec. 15 with kick-off time at 5pm local time on both days.

Players List:

Goalkeepers: Isaac Tomiwa (Mees Palace); Johnson Amaagudi (Ajarah FA); Somtochukwu Ibe (Adoration FC)

Defenders: Nicodemus Gideon (Relentless FA); Raphael Umah (Udi Stars FA); Luka Ephraim (Sporting Lagos); Muhammad Shamsudeen (Mavlon FC); Samuel Yusuf (Stormer FA)

Midfielders: Praise Averwosou (Morak FC); Uwem Bassey (2S Academy); Farwas Adeleke (Lanreleke FA); Raheem Salaudeen (Buruj FC); Kunle Tokode (White Caps FC, Canada); Ighodaro Dominion (Bendel Insurance Youth Team); Obasahon Emmanuel (Dynamo FA)

Forwards: Samuel Essien (PSports FA); Abubakar Abdulrazaq (Simon Ben FA); Ogar Timothy (Mavlon FC); Yusuf Saminu (Kano Pillars U15); Ebube Oyari (Sensational FA); Sha’Aban Musa (School Sports); Yusuf Auwal (Peace FA) (NAN)