The performance of the Nigeria U17 team at the recently concluded WAFU B Africa U17 Cup of Nations Qualifiers tournament saw the Nigerian team sweep all their sight to be crowned champions.
A 3-1 win on penalties over Ghana after both team remained tied on 1-1 in regulation time saw the boys of Manu Garba qualify for the Africa U17 Championship as champions of their zone of the qualifiers held in Niger Republic.
From the first game which they lost 2-3 against Burkina Faso it was clear that the team will play in same way like previous teams handled by the coach at youth level.
Pace, close ball control and goals from players who are not necessarily the top strikers in the team has always been the hallmark of the team of the Gombe born tactician who led Nigeria to U17 World Cup glory in 2013.
Alongside his able lieutenant Nduka Ugbade, they succeeded in building a team who are ruthless in attack but not so solid in defence. Simply put they outscored their opponents on their way to getting crowned as champions.
Their model was somehow built on the belief that if they concede four they should be able to score six. Although it failed against Burkina Faso in their first game, the likes of Olakunle Olusegun, Akinwunmi Amoo, Hassan Hussaini and Olatomi Olaniyan ensured they blew opponents away in convincing style bar the final game.
Total football as Manu Garba described the style of play of his team was once again on parade in Niger Republic and many Nigerians will be hoping it helps the nation in discovering the next set of talents for the nation in future assignment with the senior national team.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleman writes in from Liberty Radio Kaduna.
