2023 U-17 AFCON: God answered my prayer for my son to score, Eaglets star, Favour Daniel’s mother

Daniel Ochege Comfort, mother of Favour Daniel who netted the only goal for the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria in a 1-0 win over Zambia at the 2023 Under-17 African Cup of Nations in Algeria has disclosed that her son scored a few minutes after she prayed to God.

Daniel struck powerfully for Nigeria past the Zambian goalkeeper from a goalmouth scramble 14 minutes to the end of the two countries’ opening game at the tournament on Sunday.

“I was really happy because it was my first time in a viewing centre and I came to see my son representing the country live on the screen.

“The joy was all over me and before Favour scored, I already prayed that God should let my son score which happened a few minutes after I said that prayer,” she said.

When asked about Favor’s upbringing, she said it was really really tough because the boy was from a poor family and he never let that bother him because the love he has for the game is unexplainable.

“Favour has always been loyal, humble and dedicated to the game of football right from his childhood, that has prompted me to support him and today, I am grateful to God for what he has become and what he will become in the future,” she concluded.

Favour’s solitary strike gave Nigeria all the three points in a largely average encounter that opened the campaign in Group B.

It was coach Nduka Ugbade’s boys that dominated for the larger part of the game at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui.

However, the Golden Eaglets were undone by their ineffective short passes and poor shooting in front of goal which denied them a comprehensive win over the Zambians that failed to bite.

The Golden Eaglets are up against Morocco today before they face South Africa in their final match of Group B on Saturday.

Two-time African champions, Nigeria are hoping for a third crown in Algeria while also having their eyes on qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.