Much has been said about the midfield of the Nigeria U20 team and the attack as well but the strength of this team is in the defence led by Galatasaray bound Valentine Ozornwafor and captain Ikouwem Udoh who has agreed to join Maccabi Haifa.
The duo alongside Michael Zarumma and Igho Ogbu formed a solid back four at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations but Zarumma won’t take part in the World Youth Championship.
In his absence Mohammed Zulkifilu who incidentally passed through same academy as Zarumma, the popular GBS Academy has stepped in to add a touch of solidity despite moving from his original role as a defensive midfielder.
Zulkifilu made the team on the strength of his versatility and with Ogbu and Ozornwafor in the heart of defence, he will be given the license to roam upfront like Udoh on the other flank.
In the Flying Eagles last friendly game against the U19 of Red Bull Salzburg, the defence quartet didn’t put a foot wrong when making tackles and also building attack from the rear. Same thing coach Paul Aigbogun will be expecting from them at the World Youth Championship.
