The Nigeria U20 team has not hit the height expected of a Nigerian team in an international tournament but they have somehow managed to seal a spot in the quarter final of the tournament.
Coach Ladan Bosso and his boys are one win away from securing a world cup ticket after sealing a spot in the quarter final with yesterday’s 2-0 win over Mozambique. They have won two of their three games losing once to Senegal.
OGN editor in chief Mohammed Mowiz picks the five players who have so far excelled for Nigeria at the tournament which is taking place in Egypt.
1. Benjamin Fredrick – What a tournament he is having. Winning almost everything on the ground and in the air. Playing out nicely from the back and also winning tackles in the cleanest way one can imagine. The Simoiben Academy graduate is a star in the making without a doubt.
2. Onuche Ogbelu – Not many expect him to be comfortable without his regular partner Daniel Daga but he has coped really well. His ball circulation in particular and ability to beat the press has been exceptional. Little wonder that he is among the players head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro has picked to train with the senior national team of Nigeria in March.
3. Chijioke Anigboso – It’s rare for a team to change goalkeepers during the course of a tournament hence eyebrows were raised when Bosso decided to drop his regular first choice Nathaniel Nwosu for Chijioke. The decision has proven to be a master stroke so far with his performances. Deals with aerial balls calmly, has a very firm grip even under pressure and commands his defence with the authority of a veteran.
4. Solomon Agbalaka – Back to back man of the match award says a lot about the centre back turned left back. Showed he is a threat from set pieces with a bullet header from a corner kick against Egypt. Solid in duels and also very assured in possession. A big tournament he is having.
5. Mohammed Beji – Although he isn’t at the level he was at the U20 WAFU tournament in Niger Republic, he however appears to be getting his rhythm back with his display in the last two games. Scored a belter yesterday and looked very lively and dangerous against Egypt.