Failed Esperance of Tunisia target Lukman Zakari was widely rated as the best player for Latvian side Metta despite their 0-1 loss away to BFC Daugavpils in what was his first game for the club.
Zakari joined the modest Latvian side towards the end of last season but didn’t get to play due to registration issues, meaning his debut was shifted to this season and their league opener away to Daugavpils.
Handed a start in the away tie, the 2015 U17 World Youth Championship winner with the Nigerian team showed why CAF Champions League champions Esperance were keen to price him away from Metta even before his first game for the club.
Although his club lost 0-1 he impressed with his reading of the game, interceptions and also blocks for the entire duration of the game and deservedly earn praises from the media in Latvia.
Billed as a member of the Nigeria U23 team, Zakari who is yet to be officially invited despite several report of a possible call up missed out on a chance to join Esperance despite impressing during a two weeks trials, as Metta failed to agree a price tag for his transfer.
Osas Mahawi
