Egypt, Cairo, 19 February 2023 – team photo of Nigeria : Olamilekan Adams, Solomon Agbalaka, Daniel Bameyi, Daniel Daga, Benjamin Fredrick, Samson Lawal, Ibrahim Muhammad, Augustine Njoku, Nathaniel Nwosu, Onuche Ogbelu, Rilwanu Sarki under 20 during the TotalEnergies Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2023 Group A match between Senegal U20 v Nigeria U20 at Cairo International Stadium. Photo SFSI/M.BAYOUMY Group A – Senegal v Nigeria, Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2023


Former Nigeria international Efe Ambrose has picked out the one player he thinks has been the standout defender for Nigeria at center back in the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Yesterday Nigeria secured a 1-0 win over the host bouncing back from the 0-1 defeat they suffered against Senegal in their opening game of the tournament. Nigeria’s lone goal was scored by left full back Solomon Agbalaka.

The team are campaigning in the tournament which is the qualifiers for the U20 World Cup and Ambrose who also played for Nigeria U20 in 2009 under the same coach Ladan Bosso has picked out one player he admires a lot in the team.

” I think they have very good players but as a team they haven’t found their rhythm. As defender my focus is always on the area when I watch teams play and so far there is that number 12 (Benjamin Fredrick) who has caught my eyes”, he told OGN.

” The timing of his tackles, ball distribution and also the way he wins aerial duels is very modern. I see him as a class act in the defence particularly at center back. The full backs are also good but they need to do more going forward”, he stated.

On the coach of the team, Ambrose said he is alarmed that Nigerians are still doubting his abilities at this level which he said needs no much talks as he has shown over the years that he is capable to deliver at this stage.

” Bosso is a wonderful coach for young players. I played under him for two years. You don’t know what it takes to handle these players, it requires a lot of patience, faith and experience. One bad decision or comment can ruin players at this stage. It’s critical and that is why Bosso’s role can’t be handled by any other coach”, he concluded.

Osas Mahawi