The Nigeria U17 team will begin their quest to pick a ticket to the U17 World Cup with their opening game against Zambia at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria will be hoping to at least get to the semi final of the tournament which will guarantees a spot as one of the four representatives of Africa at the world stage in India. Nigeria currently holds the title of the team with the most title at the tournament with five, one more than Brazil.
OGN takes a look at five players from the Nduka Ugabde led team who are going to be key to the team’s aspiration of picking a world cup ticket or possibly winning tournament taking place in Algeria.
Abubakar Abdullahi – Already showing that he is a notch above this level. Scored the brace that helped the team to win the WAFU tournament. From then to now he has continue to impress with back to back goals in test games. He wears jersey number 8.
Richard Odoh- Number 1 of the team. The shot stopper has everything required of a modern day goalkeeper. He is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and his reflexes are top notch. He was voted man of the match in the 2-1 win over Burkina Faso in the final match of the WAFU tournament.
Emmanuel Michael – The left full back who had a hand in all but one of the goals scored by the team at the WAFU tournament. Deadly from set pieces and can whip in pin point crosses. His shirt number 3 was the most seen at the WAFU tournament as he won three man of the match awards in the four games they played at the tournament.
Yahaya Lawali- Full of energy and drive. The vice captain of the team who loves to join the attack from his full back position where his ability to whip in crosses becomes a weapon. He keeps his shirt number 2 for the AFCON.
Precious Williams – Captain of the team who didn’t have the best of time in front of goal at the WAFU tournament. On a very good day, the jersey number 9 can single handedly wreck any team. He will be hoping for more of the good days at the AFCON.
Mohammed Mowiz
