As Nigeria begin the quest to qualify for the U17 World Youth Championship via the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, Owngoalnigeria.com takes a detail look at the boys of coach Manu Garba who are already in Tanzania ahead of the start of the championship on the 14th of April.
Weaknesses : It goes without saying that the defence of the Nigerian team which has been decimated badly by the MRI age test is the weak spot of the team. Already first choice shot stopper John Ikedinachukwu Amah who is viewed as one of the best talent in the team is out of the tournament. Same test also knocked out regular right and left full back Babatunde Jimoh and Muhammed Ibrahim respectively.
The defence of the team will be anchored by players who have only trained together for a week and the last line which is the goalkeeper will be one who doesn’t inspire confidence in the rest of the team.
Strengths : Even if team captain Samson Tijani fails the MRI age test in Tanzania when it’s conducted, the team still have enough to trouble any African team in middle of the pack. That’s one of their strength although their biggest weapon is in the attack.
In attack, they boast of players like the prolific Olakunle Olusegun, the dimunitive Akinwunmi Amoo, the pacy Adesina Gata, the unpredictable Olatomi Olaniyan and even new additions like Adrian Akande and Devine Nwachukwu have sparks that can hurt any team on a good day.
Key Players :
Samson Tijani ( Defensive Midfielder)
Olatomi Olaniyan ( Forward)
Olakunle Olusegun ( Forward)
Abdulrazaq Shuaib Oyindamola ( Attacking Midfielder)
Ade EmmanuelÂ
