Nigeria successfully defended the Unity Cup friendly tournament title with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Jamaica in the final played on Saturday in London.
Head coach Eric Chelle was without his regulars and used the tournament to give fringe and new players a chance to make an impression, which will subsequently earn them more opportunities.
In goal Arthur Okonkwo earned the trust of the coach with the manner which he controlled the defence, and also acquitted himself during both games, where he kept two consecutive clean sheets.
Kenneth Igboke of Enugu Rangers was by far the only player from the Nigeria Premier Football League who has put himself in the frame of the team. Chelle was impressed with the way he controlled games from the left back position and had a hand in the build up to two of the five goals scored at the tournament.
Tochukwu Nnadi really showed that he can be a reliable deputy to Alex Iwobi or Wilfred Ndidi with the way he broke up play and also initiated attacks. Chelle has now earmarked him for more games.
Alhassan Yusuf of MLS side New England Revolution can easily pass as the player of the tournament, and Chelle has already told him he will no doubt be a member of the team fully.
Millwall winger Femi Azeez got a brace in the 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the semi final, capped it with an assist in the 3-0 win against Jamaica in the final. He was drafted into the team for the games against Poland and Portugal respectively but his club Millwall blocked the invitation.
He is also set to make a decision on his future at the club after they failed to gain promotion to the English Premier League. He is interesting a host of teams in the English top division, with newly promoted Ipswich Town failing with a bid of £20m.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
