As Nigeria get set to take on Sudan in the next round of qualifiers for the U23 Cup of Nations, Owngoalnigeria.com takes a look at five players who should be invited to compliment the team that dispatched Libya 4-2 on aggregate in the previous round of qualifiers.
Dele Alampasu ( CD Feirense, Portugal. ) – Why he wasn’t called up in the first place continue to surprise few who knew of his exploits in the U23 league in Portugal, where he has also kept for the first team thrice this season and he is presently the second choice goalkeeper of the first team.
His inclusion should be a no brainer, considering he was at a time, the third choice goalkeeper of the Super Eagles before the emergence of Francis Uzoho who was third choice behind Alampasu in the 2013 Nigeria U17 team to the World Youth Championship.
Lukman Zakari ( FS Metta, Latvia.) – Rated highly as one of the promising defenders for Nigeria two years ago. He is still viewed by many that way and in Latvia after four games he has earned top ratings. A failed move to Esperance of Tunisia has not dettered him one bit and he will no doubt added a lot to the defence of the Nigeria U23 team.
Zaidu Sanusi. ( SC Mirandela, Portugal) : Plays in the 3rd division for SC Mirandela in Portugal where his performances have earned him a summer move to top division side Santa Clara in the summer. Considering Bede Opara was called up from the 4th division in Portugal. Zaidu who can play as a left full back or central defender should get a look in.
Chidera Ejike ( Valerenga, Norway. ) – Although the team is loaded with options in attack, Valerenga of Norway Chidera Ejike is in this list on account of the fact that he will be available for the U23 AFCON in November, same can’t be said about the other foreign based options in the attack of the team.
21 year old Ejike is widely regarded as one of the top talents in the top division in Norway with his abilities on the flanks or behind the striker earning him the nickname “Nigerian Neymar” from the sporting press in Norway.
Sincere Seth ( Yeni Malayatspor, Turkey) – A member of the last U23 team of Nigeria to the last Olympics games in Rio, 20 year old Seth played all of Nigeria’s game at the tournament where they won bronze. In Turkey he has grown in leaps and bounds this season with nine appearances to his name. His experience will come handy for the team in defence.
Daniel Martins
