Many Nigerians are not conversant with the present crop of players of the U20 team of Nigeria who are expected to be in Guinea-Bissau tomorrow for their Saturday African Youth Championship Qualifiers first leg clash.
Coach Paul Aigbogun released a list of 20 players carefully selected after almost over two months of camping in Abuja, which also saw them play friendly games against selected teams and twice against their Egyptian counterparts.
The list is made up of two goalkeepers , six defenders , four midfielders and eight forwards.
Flying Eagles squad to Guinea Bissau:
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Goalkeepers: Akpan Udoh, Detan Ogundare
Defenders: Mike Zaruma, Valentine Ozornwafor, Ikouwem Udoh, Solomon Onome, Ekene Olisema, Abubakar Abdullahi Ali
Midfielders: Aminu Nuhu, Alhassan Ibrahim, Jamil Muhammed, Ali Isah
Forwards: Jerome Akor, Babawo Ibrahim, Idris Guda, Peter Eneji, Adeshina Gata, Asuquo Aniekeme, Wasiu Alalade, Effiom Maxwell.
Owngoalnigeria.com Ade Emmanuel takes a look at the key players to keep an eye on when they take on Guinea-Bissau on Saturday.
Star Man : Peter Eneji
The Plateau United winger is by far the most known player in the 20 man squad and he has so far justified his high ratings with some near faultless display in the friendly games he has played for the team.
Injuries have limited his appearance in some high profile friendly games but his impact in the squad when he plays means he will be very pivotal in their quest to pick a good result on Saturday.
Joker : Alhaji Idris Guda
Quick, clever and with an eye for a goal. He has the ability to make something happen out of nothing as shown in the manner which he took his brace against Nasarawa United in one of their friendly game.
The Wikki Tourist ace is criminally underrated but if the Flying Eagles are in need of an unlikely hero, Guda is most likely the man to bail them out when all fails against Guinea Bissau on Saturday.
Top Man : Jerome Akor
A gate crasher who has emerged as the focal point of the team in attack, thanks to his near perfect record of scoring a goal in almost all of their friendly games since he joined the team.
Big, strong and skilful. The Jamba FC of Kaduna teenager who had trial at Norwegian side Stroemgodset in January is highly favoured to start in attack on Saturday.
Top Talents : Alhassan Ibrahim, Zaruma, Babawo
The performance of the above mentioned trio have been truly exceptional in training and test games. Plateau United Mike Zaruma who is a right back by trade scored a screamer from almost the half way line in one of their friendly games against Egypt.
Kano Pillars Alhassan Ibrahim is the livewire of the team in midfield. He literally bring the team to life with his smart dribbling abilities, blind runs and clever passes. Many regard him as the best player in the Nigeria Professional Football League this season.
Niger Tornadoes of Minna winger Babawo Ibrahim has impressed with his raw pace and skills on the flanks, especially his abilities to take his marker out in tight spaces. He is expected to be a part of the attacking line up for the clash.
