Nigeria will begin their campaign at the WAFU U20 Championship on Sunday with a game against Niger Republicย โ, the first of their two group games in the tournament.
In group B they will also play Ghana for a spot in the knock out round of the tournament and Owngoalnigeria.com has picked five talented players in the squad who are expected to play a pivotal role for Nigeria at the tournament.
Abubakar โBabawoโ Ibrahim :ย โAn explosive forward who took the Nigeria Profesional Football League by storm last season with his performance for Niger Tornadoes. Now with Plateau United, he is the closest to Ahmed Musa in terms of style of play and not just because he can play conveniently on both flanks. Babawo excelled as a right full back in a recent friendly game against Kano Pillars, a sign of his utility value to the team.
Ucheย โOnwuasonaya : Many who watch the NPFL will attest to the fact that the Kwara United midfielder is among one of the complete all round midfielder in the league. Full of energy, and very assured in possession, his success with tackles place him a notch higher than others in his position.
Effiom Maxwell : Rated as the golden boy of Enyimba alongside Ikouwem Udoh. Maxwell has not gotten the type of hype his talent deserve. Not the quickest but about the smartest with the ball at his feet in the team. Sees holes others donโt see and also has an unusual composure in front of goal.
Usman Bashir :ย โFull of tricks, step overs and skills. He has the ability to unlock tight defences with his unpredictable quick feet. Another pacey forward snapped up by the eagle eyes Football Director of Plateau United Ahmed Ibrahim. Same who discovered Ahmed Musa, Samuel Kalu, Moses Simon, Hillary Gong and Philip Azango among others.
Olawale Oremade : The Oasis FC goalkeeper is seen as one who profited from the absence of the duo of Akpan Udoh and Daetan Ogundare but he could hold his own even if they are available. His reflex frustrated Kano Pillars in a recent friendly game and his composure is not far off from that of a veteran even though he is yet to taste professional football.
