Coach of the Nigeria U20 team Paul Aigbogun has praised the versatility of Mohammed Zulkifilu who is in his list of 21 players for the U20 World Youth Championship in Poland which will get underway this weekend.
Zulkifilu emerged as one of the surprises in the team during their training camp in Abuja and later Germany, hence earning a spot in the final squad of the tournament as one of the defenders in the team.
However he is originally a defensive midfielder who can also play as a central midfielder but Aigbogun also revealed that he can also fill in at central defence if the need arises and insist that that his versatility is a plus to his team.
The GBS Academy of Jos prospect who plays for Nigeria Professional Football League side Plateau United can play in any position required of him by the coaches above 80% according to Aigbogun.
” Zulkifilu is a delight to have. He can play anywhere on the pitch above 80%. His versatility is rare because he has filled in at right back, central midfield, defensive midfield and even in central defence with ease since we resumed camping for the World Youth Championship “, Aigbogun told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” We are hoping he will take this form to the tournament proper and give us the edge regardless of where he is asked to play. He literally owns the pitch due to his versatility “.
