Coach of the Nigeria U17 team Nduka Ugbade earlier today released a list of 20 played who will represent Nigeria at the WAFU B Championship in Ghana. The coach also places five players on standby.
OwnGoalNigeria.com takes a look at five top players in the team who will likely take the tournament by storm underway when the opening proceedings against host Ghana.
Richard Odoh- A very promising goalkepper with very good reflex and a firm grip. Claims crosses with ease and also very good at stopping penalties. One to watch out for in the tournament.
Yahaya Danjuma Lawali – The vice captain of the team who operates as a right back or left full back. Good and assured on the ball and very good in tackles. His energy enables him to join attack with ease where he is also not bad at delivering crosses.
Emmanuel Michael – Came to the camp as an attacking midfielder. Drafted to the left back after the two options in that position failed the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test.
Since moving to left back he has not only distinguished himself in defending. He has also proven to be deadly from set pieces. He scored at least four free kicks in test games. The Simoiben Academy talent is among the first name on the team’s list for games.
Ebube Okere – A workaholic midfielder who can operate anywhere in the middle of the pack. Tackles and uses the ball very well. Blessed with an eye for a pass. Certainly holds the key to the team transiting from defence to attack with ease.
Precious Williams- His performance has already led to talks of the forward having a better ceiling than Victor Osimhen at same level. Scored around 40% of the teams goal at the tournament in test games. He is the captain of the team and expected to lead their chase for goals.
GOLDEN EAGLETS FOR WAFU B U17 CHAMPIONSHIP IN CAPE COAST
Squad list
Goalkeepers: Richard Odoh, Hameed Balogun, Pascal Uzoho
Defenders: Jeremiah Olaleke, Emmanuel Michael, Tochukwu Ogboji, Yahaya Lawal, Miracle Ogwor
Midfielders: Basil Mbata, Ebube Okere, Tochukwu Ogbabido, Richard Uche, Ozor Okeke, Raphael Oyebanjo
Forwards: Umar Abubakar, Kevwe Iyede, Light Eke, Abubakar Abdullahi, Jubril Azeez, Precious Williams
Standby: Utibe Silas, Abdullahi Buhari, Abubakar Shaibu, Tijjani Mohammed, Stephen Emmanuel
