Head coach of the Nigeria U17 team Nduka Ugabde has picked 26 players to represent Nigeria at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Algeria, which is the qualifiers for the U17 World Cup in India.
Ugbade picked three goalkeepers, seven defenders, nine midfielders and seven forwards in the final 26 man list which has now been pruned to 21 with five players dropping to the standby list.
CAF permits teams to go to the tournament with 26 players but only 21 will be registered for each game. The remaining five can be included by the coaches if they feel like taking a player out of the 21 man list.
Below is how we analyse the team’s defence and attack ahead of their first game against Zambia tomorrow. A game they need to win to put them in good stead before the other group games against Morocco and South Africa respectively.
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Defence & Goalkeeper – This area is now seen as one of the strengths of the team with the midfield decimated by the mandatory MRI test. From goalkeeper Richard Odoh to the ever running Yahaya Lawal, very technical Emmanuel Michael down to who pairs with Jeremiah Olaleke the team is very much settled in this area.
Midfield- A lot has really changed in this department no thanks to MRI test. However Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku is a breath of fresh air, already he is provoking memories of Austin Okocha. Simon Cletus is another who have caught the eyes particularly as he can also play in central defence. Free scoring Umar Abubakar rounds up the top options available to Ugbade.
Attack – Fearsome is the right word to use as even Light Eke who is a substitute can wreck havoc with ease. The starting trio will likely be lead by captain Precious Williams, Abubakar Abdullahi and Charles Agada. The one thing they bring to the team is goals.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
