An explanation on why 17 year old Jonathan Zaccala made the final list of players who will represent Nigeria at the U20 World Youth Championship has been made known to Owngoalnigeria.com.
Zaccala trained with the Nigerian team in Abuja before the U20 Africa Cup of Nations but didn’t make the cut for the squad for the tournament proper where Nigeria finished fourth.
The Arconatese shot stopper however surprised many at the camp of the team in Germany with reflexes and saves not expected from a 17 year old who plays in the 4th division in Italy.
Matthew Yakubu who was his rival was axed from the squad for Zaccala on three counts according to reports exclusively gathered by Owngoalnigeria.com. One of the reasons is the need to have a young goalkeeper as third choice with an eye on the next U20 team.
Aside his sharp reflexes and ability to judge and gather crosses comfortably, his height also gave him an edge as he is still 17 and stand at an impressive height of over six feet tall.
” He is improving daily. Zaccala will come good for Nigeria in the near future. Italy has produced lot of good goalkeepers in the past and he is in line to join them if he continue the way he is growing “, Coach of the Nigeria U20 team Paul Aigbogun told Owngoalnigeria.com.
