Four days ago coach of the U20 team of Nigeria Ladan Bosso released a list of 20 players who will represent Nigeria at the WAFU U20 Championship in Benin Republic.
Owngoalnigeria.com senior editor Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman takes a look at the list in details with emphasis on the various departments of the team base on what he saw when he watched the team in Abuja.
Goalkeepers:
Former Nigeria U17 goalkeeper John Amah is for now the preferred first choice even though Chibueze Lambert has captained the squad in some test games. Kolawole Oladipo is below the duo in the pecking order.
Amah who was denied the chance to represent Nigeria at the last U17 World Cup due to a failed MRI Test will be hoping to put in same performance that made him one of the best players for Nigeria at the WAFU U-17 Championship, where he was pivotal in helping the Nigeria U17 team lift the trophy.
Defenders:
Enyimba’s left back Imoh Obot was the sure pick to lead the defence alongside Kwara United Christopher Nwaeze but with Obot out of the team due to a disagreement over his decision to play for Enyimba in the CAF Champions League, Moses Solomon of Calabar Rovers have stepped into his position.
Plateau United Mike Zaruma is first choice right back with Isiah Ejeh completing the back four which has so far emerged as the back bone of the team in the test games they have played so far.
Midfielders:
Nasarawa United Muhammad Abdullah lead the way. He forced his way into the team after excelling in a test game against the Bosso boys. The duo of Adewale Oladoye and Oseni Azeez are the other players usually lined up by Bosso in midfield during test games.
Forwards:
The flanks appear to be one of the strength of this team with the impressive Nenrot Silas of Plateau United on the right and Wisdom Ubani on the other side. Both players are cultured wingers as they track back to help out in defence.
The main striker role has Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi as preferred choice with Hapoel Ranana B team forward Peter Olawale as back up. Even Ubani can function effectively in that same role.
