Golden Eaglets coach Emmanuel Amuneke has confirmed that his wards will not be observing the Christmas break, as they continue preparations for the 2015 CAF U17 championship in Niger Republic.

The Eaglets have been drawn in Group A with hosts Niger, Guinea and Zambia in what Amuneke has also described as a tough group. And the former Super Eagles winger says his team must remain in camp to fine-tune preparations for the competition which Nigeria narrowly failed to win the last time in Morocco.

“We are not going on Christmas break because we have to keep preparing for the tournament in Niger. We are in a tough group and we must prepare well for the competition if we are to win,” said Amuneke.

“I know some of the players might want to celebrate the Christmas now, but I will say this is not the time for celebrations because there will be enough of that if we win the competition so we have to stay focused now.

“Drawing the hosts, Niger is tough on its own because they will be playing on home soil and will have the support of their home fans.”

The 2015 CAF U17 tournament starts from February and runs through March 1.