Team Nigeria aims to defend FC Bayern Youth Cup World title in Munich

Posted : 18 October 2023

Munich, October 18, 2023 - Team Nigeria has landed in Munich with determination in their hearts as they prepare to defend their FC Bayern Youth Cup World Title. Comprising young talents born in 2007 and 2008, the team aspires to replicate the outstanding success of the class of 2022, who not only secured the championship but also dominated the individual awards and contributed eight players to the Team of the Tournament.

Notably, Victor Orakpo and David Emmanuel from the 2022 class have already represented the Bayern World Squad, with Victor on the verge of inking a professional contract upon reaching 18, and David continuing his development at the Bayern Global Academy. Furthermore, Lawal Waris, another gem from the 2022 class, is on a full scholarship at England's Brooke House College.

The class of 2023 has been meticulously prepared, having undertaken a pre-tournament camp in Paris, where they explored the French capital and engaged in a friendly match against U18s of AAS Sarcelles at the Stade Riyad Mahrez, a pitch named after the renowned Algerian international. The 2023 squad, under the guidance of coach Opeyemi Azeez, includes talented players such as Moses Solomon, Idris Bashir, Daniel Anate, Sodiq Mohammed, Saviour Mathias, Mohammed Mustapha, Aminu Nasiru, Amir Sabiu, Soliu Subair, and Suleman Abubakar.

The FC Bayern Youth Cup Finals will not only test their footballing skills but also immerse the team in cultural experiences. It includes activities like a cultural night, tours of the Olympia Stadium, Allianz Arena, and the Bayern Museum. The team will also have the privilege of training and playing friendly matches at Sabener Strasse, FC Bayern's first-team training facility.

The tournament's focal point is the competition on Saturday, October 21st, at the Olympic Stadium in Munich from 10 am to 4 pm. In this showdown, Team Nigeria will defend their title against formidable contenders, including Germany, USA, Argentina, Mexico, India, South Africa, Rwanda, and fellow African nation South Africa, making their debut on the global stage.

Team Nigeria's head coach, Opeyemi Azeez, acknowledges the pressure of living up to the 2022 squad's remarkable achievements but expresses confidence in their capacity to establish their legacy. He highlights the team's preparation in France, coupled with additional training in Munich, as the foundation for their pursuit of the championship.

Chisom Omeokachie, the media and publicity representative of the VOE Foundation, commends the 2022 class for setting a high standard but is optimistic about the class of 2023's capabilities. She underscores the tournament's significance in unveiling grassroots football talent in Nigeria and praises the collaboration with FC Bayern, which has significantly contributed to Nigerian football development through the VOE Foundation Coach Academy and the identification of professional players via the Youth Cup.

The head of the Team Nigeria delegation, Olajide Ajayi, extends gratitude to all those supporting the FC Bayern Youth Cup project, which annually engages over 1000 Nigerian kids, fostering their development with the aspiration of becoming professional footballers. The team hopes to discover a new Nigerian star at the culmination of the Munich tournament.

The Team of the Tournament will engage in a friendly match against the FC Bayern U17s on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Olympic Stadium in Munich before the teams disperse to their respective countries.

Team Nigeria aims to defend FC Bayern Youth Cup World title in Munich

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