Yesterday the head coach of the U20 team of Nigeria Ladan Bosso unveiled his 28 man list for the WAFU B Championship which will serve as qualifiers for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Owngoalnigeria.com senior editor, Mohamed Mowiz Suleiman has been with the team for the three days, and after watching them in four test games and several training sessions, he picks the players who were impressive.
Aliyu Abdullahi Adam – The Nasarawa United wing forward can easily pass as the best player in the team at the moment. Quick feet, precise finishing and also blessed with bags of tricks. He carries the burden of the team in attack. At 17 the GBS Academy graduate boast of a fantastic season in the NPFL with his exploits last season with Nasarawa United.
Nathaniel Nwosu – He stands at an impressive height of 2.2m same as Real Madrid goalkepper Thibaut Courtois. It’s his ability to go down quickly despite his height that took all by surprise. Blessed with sharp reflex, good reaction time and also distribution. He looks very much a top prospect. Rose to the role of first choice after just three training session.
Abubakar Babaji – A ball playing left full back who is also a dead ball specialist. Hits the ball with venom and joins attack with ease. Scored two very good free kicks in test games and no doubt will be hoping for some more when the tournament gets underway.
Oluwatosin Adegbite – Potential captain of the team. The Enyimba defender has shown enough leadership quality to be handed the band. Knows when to go long and short. Plays out from the back brilliantly and has good turn of pace when recovering.
David Sholumade – Calmness on the ball which steems from confidence in his abilities makes him standout. Occasionally plays casually and gets stuck in needless duels due to it. His talent is obvious and he is sure one of the leaders of this team.
Benjamin Frederick – Mr consistency. Didn’t put a single foot wrong in all test games and training session. Plays comfortably as a right back as well even though he is primarily a centre back. The graduate of Simoiben Academy only graduated from secondary school last year.
Albert Hilary – The focal point in attack. Shoots very well. Takes up goal scoring position and also runs at defenders with ease. A battling ram kind of striker who has already shown in the NPFL that he doesn’t need much chances before burying one.
FLYING EAGLES FOR WAFU B CHAMPIONSHIP:
Goalkeepers: Nathaniel Nwosu (Water FC); Chijioke Aniagboso (Giant Brillars); Saheed Jimoh (Adoration FC)
Defenders: Opeyemi Omooloyi (Akure City); Abubakar Babaji (Niger Tornadoes); Lekan Oyedele (Remo Stars); Oluwatosin Adegbite (Enyimba FC); Augustine Njoku (Abia Warriors); Chikezie Okolie (Giant Brillars); David Sholumade (Akwa United); Benjamin Frederick (ABS FC)
Midfielders: Anas Hassan (Vandrezzer FC); Daniel Daga (FC One Rocket); Oluwaseyi Falodun (Jossy United); Samson Lawal (Katsina United); Onuche Ogbelu (Fosla Academy); Muhammad Aminu (Gombe United); Muhammad Shehu (Katsina United); Frederick Godwin (City FC)
Forwards: Adams Olubi (FK Zalgris Vilnius, Lithuania); Tolulope Ojo (Remo Stars); Ibrahim Muhammad (Maikunkele FC); Ibrahim Yahaya (Gombe United); Rilwanu Haliru Sarki (Mahanaim FC); Divine Nwachukwu (Adoration FC); Ahmed Abdullahi (HB Academy); Abdullahi Adam (Nasarawa United); Albert Hilary (Plateau United)