The Nigeria U20 team secured progress to the semi-final of the ongoing WAFU U20 Championship in Togo with a 4-2 win over Ghana in their second group game played yesterday.
Nigeria will now play Mali for a spot in the final and ahead of the clash Owngoalnigeria.com has selected five players who were impressive in yesterday’s win over Ghana.
Maxwell Effiom – The Enyimba forward oozed class all through, quick and skillful on the ball and always demanding for the ball when without it. Took his both goals very well and deservedly got voted as Man of the Match.
Ibrahim Abubakar Babawo – He looked a bit lost playing at right full back but he still showed his quick feet and ability to keep possession even when under pressure. Took his spot kick nicely and in the second half played as a wing-back which helped the Nigerians in attack. Little wonder he is called the new ‘Ahmed Musa ‘.
Wasiu Alalade – Could easily have scored a hattrick but didn’t look sharp enough to finish the chances that came his way. However he is a willing runner and he was almost everywhere in attack for the Flying Eagles.
Ikouwem Udoh – The captain of the Nigerian team didn’t look quite the part in the first half but recovered strongly in the second half and aside his poor awareness which led to the first goal scored by Ghana he was top class all through.
Usman Bashir – Picked the final spot in our top five ranking ahead of Victor Boniface who was also very lively during the game but the newly signed on Plateau United forward showed clean pair of heels when needed and his pass set up the first goal scored by Maxwell to draw Nigeria level.
