U-17 AFCON: Golden Eaglets' young striker Abdullahi promises Nigeria to not underrate Burkina Faso

Golden Eaglets forward Abubakar Abdullahi has stated ahead of Nigeria's 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations that the two-time champions will not underestimate Burkina Faso when they meet in Algiers on Thursday.

Abdullahi had scored the match-winning goal in Nigeria's 3-2 victory over South Africa, securing the Golden Eaglets a second-place finish in Group B, and a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.

The quarterfinals finals will see teams that had either finished as group winners, group runner-ups or best losers, attempt to secure a ticket to this year's FIFA U-17 World Cup, by making the semi-finals of the U-17 AFCON.

Speaking ahead of Nigeria's tie with Burkina Faso who won the competition in 2011, the young forward stated that the team will not underrate their opponents.

"I feel much relieved after I scored against South Africa, I scored 3 goals in WAFU last year," Abdullahi revealed.

"We will not underrate Burkina Faso but play our game with a strong mentality to win as our coaches have taught us," he said about Thursday's crucial tie.

The quarterfinals will also see Group A winners Senegal take on South Africa who had finished third in Group C and qualified as one of the two best losers.

Wednesday's other fixture will witness Group B winners Morocco tackle hosts Algeria at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine while, Group C winners Mali will play Congo who finished in third place in Group A, on Thursday.

All semifinalists will be guaranteed a spot to represent Africa at the U-17 World Cup.