Nigeria will begin their WAFU B U-20 Championship campaign against Ghana’s Black Satellites on Monday in a highly anticipated group-stage clash.
The Flying Eagles will later face Togo on July 30 before completing their group fixtures against Burkina Faso on August 2.
We pick five players to watch out for in the coach Abdul Maikaba team that are expected to match Nigeria’s run of winning the last two editions of the tournament.
1. Habila Simeon – The GBS Academy prospect is the captain of the team at the age of 17. A sign of how highly rated he is. Operating as the attacking midfielder of the team he owes the key to unlocking defences for the team.
2. Wahab Musa – Set to join Spanish side Malaga, the left full back stood tall during their camping in Abuja. Good on the ball, solid in defending and also very good with dead balls.
3. Abdoulaye Agbeloye – A fleet footed winger who can go past his markers with ease. Eligible for Benin Republic but decided on playing for Nigeria. They will rely on him to open up defences especially teams that will sit back.
4. Abdulmuiz Adeleke – Already showed his abilities for Nigeria at U17 level last year, and hasn’t slowed down since then. Rumoured to have impressed during a trial with Chelsea. He carries the weight of the team in front of goal.
5. Imrana Mohammed – Another one who will move to Europe after the tournament. Blessed with searing pace and dribbling abilities, many see him as one of the players who will really light up the tournament.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
