The Nigeria U20 team booked their spot at the next FIFA U20 World Cup after a 3-1 penalty shootout win over Senegal in yesterday’s quarter final game at the ongoing U20 AFCON in Egypt.
They will take on South Africa for a spot in the final on Thursday, and we pick five players who have impressed in the four games the team has so far played in the tournament.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt who has three clean sheets in four games lead the way with his calmness between the sticks and also heroics in yesterday’s shoot out where he stopped two spot kicks. To thank that he is only 15 makes one to be excited for the future.
While the central defence pair of Emmanuel Chukwu and Daniel Bameyi deserve a mention for their role in helping the team concede just in one game. Left full back Odinaka Okoro has really looked the part at the back.
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He started the tournament in a not too impressive fashion but has since picked up the level , so much that he made the best XI of the first round. His close ball control and skills have made him a beauty to watch in the four games played so far.
In midfield NK Istra Israel Ayuma have been exceptional with and without the ball. He has a way of breaking up oppositions and picking passes with ease aside been very comfortable on the ball.
Then the talisman Kparobo Arierhi is one talent that has some way to go by way of polishing but looks very much one with a very bright future. Runs the channel brilliantly and also very comfortable with his back to goal. He has a goal to his name in the tournament and it doesn’t do much justice to how well he has played so far.
Newly signed Hoffenheim forward Precious Benjamin showed in 33 minutes why the German side snapped him up. He has an eye for goal and he isn’t scared of shooting. Also showed maturity with the manner which he dispatched his spot kick during the shoot out.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
