Exclusive – NFF Circle Around 16 Year Old
Guinean Wonderkid, Who Is Eligible For Nigeria




The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have
initiated talks with the parents of Ibrahima Diallo, whose is originally from Guinea-Conakry but was born in Nigeria.

16 year old Diallo caught the attention of a close friend of the Technical Director of the NFF Bitrus Bewarang, after a tournament in Jos, same state where the director is based.

”He is born in Nigeria, educated by our system
and still very young. He is just 16, certainly the
type of player we won’t want to lose to another
country, the boy is a super talent”, he said to
Owngoalnigeria.com.


However, the parents of the talented 16 year old refused to give a definite answer to the demands of the NFF to have their son commit to Nigeria now, as they asked for more time to mull over the option.

Owngoalnigeria.com gathered that Diallo was
voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the
tournament, which comes with a price tag of a
trial with English giants Liverpool.

Diallo currently plays for Gee-Lec Soccer Academy in Jos, and he is blessed with very good range of passes and an eye for a goal, and he is expected to go on trial with Liverpool in the summer.




Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/01/27/exclusive-nff-circle-around-16-year-old-guinean-wonderkid-who-is-eligible-for-nigeria/

Official : Highly-Rated Burnley Nigerian Goalkeeper Extends Loan Deal




Colne FC have reached an agreement with
Premier League club Burnley over the extension of the loan agreement with the young Nigerian
netminder Tony Aghayere.

The 18-year-old goalkeeper will remain at
the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North club until the end of this season.

This season, Aghayere has recorded 35
appearances for Colne across all competitions and helped the club register 15 wins in those
matches.

Burnley have inserted a recall option clause in the new deal with Colne.

Born in Madrid, Tony Aghayere turned out for the youth team of Manchester City prior to his
transfer to Burnley.


Source: http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=21901

Gil Vicente Set To Unleash “Nigerian Gareth Bale” After Receiving His ITC



Portuguese second division side Gil Vicente have received the necessary documents for the registration of Zaidu Sanusi popularly called “Nigerian Gareth Bale”.


Zaidu joined Gil Vicente in April 2016 alongside fellow Nigerian Collins Nonso after a short trial in Kaduna attended by scouts of the Portuguese side.


While Nonso has been progressing nicely in his bid to make the grade at the team, Zaidu has been rocked by series of injuries including a mysterious injury which was linked to a spell cast on him by his former owners in Nigeria.


However we gathered that the pacy winger has now properly recovered from the series of injury setback he has suffered, and his papers for registration were received by the team last week.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/03/gil-vicente-set-to-unleash-nigerian-gareth-bale-after-receiving-his-itc/

Exclusive – Ex Liverpool, Man City Target “Nigerian Iniesta” Ejike In Norway for Valerenga Trials



Highly rated Nigerian teen wonder Chidera Ejike popularly referred to as “Nigerian Iniesta” is presently in Norway for trials with Valerenga.
The soon to be 18 year old was a target for
Manchester City few years ago but while they
dithered in offering him a chance to train with
their youth team, Liverpool offered him a two
week trial.


Ejike was at Liverpool for two weeks alongside
three other Nigerian but issues surrounding work permit and possible loan destination cost him a deal, despite impressing the handlers of the team.

He ended last year playing for Abuja based
Nigeria second division side Supreme Court FC,
but joined Nigeria Professional League side Gombe United just before the start of the season.

At Gombe United, the fair skinned, fleet footed
forward has been ever present for the North East team, and even won the Most Valuable Player of the Nigeria National League Champion of Champions championship.

Documentations cost him a spot at the Nigeria
U-17 team that won the last U-17 World Cup in
Chile, and same issue stopped him from turning
out for the 2016 team that failed to qualify for the Africa Youth Championship.




Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/11/11728/

Why Ovie Ejaria Was Left Out Of Liverpool Traveling Party To Spain

www.nairaland.com/attachments/4876900_ejaria_jpeg673fbdefda464133497fb49e9985e3ed

Former Golden Eaglets trainee Ovie Ejaria has been left out of Liverpool’s traveling party to Spain.

The central midfielder has remained at Melwood to continue his rehabilitation programme after rupturing a ligament in his ankle against Wolves in the FA Cup, according to the official website of The Reds.


That injury has caused the 19-year-old Ejaria to miss the last three matches contested by Liverpool in the Premier League.

England youth international of Nigerian descent Sheyi Ojo was among the 27 players that touched down in Spain on Wednesday evening.

The squad will return to to Merseyside on Sunday, February 19.

Igho Kingsley


http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22080

Ugbo Fires Chelsea Into FA Youth Cup Semis; Uwakwe, Ndukwu & Ughelumba Involved



Defending champions Chelsea have advanced to the semifinals of the FA Youth Cup for the eighth successive season following a 1-0 win over Leicester City on Wednesday night.


Manager Jody Morris named England youth international Ike Ugbo in his starting lineup, Calvin Ughelumba and Layton Ndukwu started for the Foxes and the versatile midfielder Tariq Uwakwe was introduced in the 58th minute.


From a cross, Ugbo had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring but headed into the arms of Cameron Yates, and Pascanu pulled off a last-ditch tackle just as he was about to pull the trigger in the 39th minute.


The home team had their own chances, with Ndukwu trying his luck from 40 yards but his shot narrowly missed target.

On 66 minutes, Ugbo netted the game-winner when he buried his header, his fourth goal in the competition this season.

The 18-year-old scored a brace in the third round against Cardiff City and struck in the 4-0 rout of Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month.

Igho Kingsley

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22078

Ajax Coach Warns Arsenal : The Fight Is Not Over For Nigerian Wonderkid Omidiji



A coach at famous Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam has told Arsenal the race is not over for the signature of much-coveted striker Lateef Omidiji Jr.

The Premier League side have reached an agreement with the Sparta Rotterdam trainee that he will join the Gunners when he attains the age of majority.


“He is a player that I do think will end up at Ajax at whatever the cost because he is the ideal Ajax player because of his insane technique and vision, ” the Ajax coach told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“The fight is not over yet and we will move mountains to bring him to Ajax. ”


American-born Lateef Omidiji has drawn comparisons to several Ajax Amsterdam legends, including Dennis Bergkamp, Marc Overmars, Luis Suarez and Nwankwo Kanu.


“His technique reminds me of Ajax legends like Dennis Bergkamp, Marc Overmars and draws a very good comparison to the finishing of your own Kanu.


“In scouting quarters in Amsterdam, he truly reminds some of my colleagues of Luis Suarez simply for one reason-he has an eye for goals and his versatility of course means he can play four positions equally well on the pitch.


“He reminds me of Robben when he comes from the right because he is dangerous coming at a defense with the ball and for me he is the perfect striker with qualities I’ve only seen in Patrick Kluivert, ” the coach added.


Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG were all credited with an interest in signing Omidiji before they were overtaken by Arsenal in the race for his signature.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22081

Exclusive – Nigeria League Teen Wonder Set To Join La-Liga Side Espanyol FC



Owngoalnigeria.com understands that Spanish La-Liga side Espanyol have handed a player from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) a chance to undergo trial with the club.


We gathered the said player is in his first season in the NPFL, although he has been around the youth teams of the Nigeria national teams in the past two years.

His deal is similar to that which took Ezekiel Bassey to Barcelona, and it will be handled by the LMC/La-Liga office just like that of Bassey.


A meeting was reportedly held between his intermediary and top brass of the LMC regarding the move, and the 18 year old forward could arrive Spain next week for talks with the Barcelona based team.

We will reveal his name and club by next week, when he is expected to be in Spain…..WATCH THIS SPACE

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/16/exclusive-nigeria-league-teen-wonder-set-to-join-la-liga-side-espanyol-fc/

Roma Nigerian Defender Nura Make Miraculous Recovery From Latest Injury Setback



AS Roma Nigerian right back Nura Abdullahi has recovered from the setback he suffered on his return from the injury that kept him out for almost six months.

Nura’s recovery came as a surprise to the doctors of the Serie A side, as he was expected to miss the rest of the season due to the injury.


Owngoalnigeria.com gathered from his Nigerian intermediary Mohammed Lawal that the all action right back will play again this season, after recovering faster than expected.


” Nura will definitely play this season, his recovery went well, as a matter of fact faster than anticipated. He is raring to go”, Lawal told Owngoalnigeria.com.

He also pointed out that the 19 year old will play for the Primavera side to build up his fitness before making the step up ro the main team.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/16/roma-nigerian-defender-nura-make-miraculous-recovery-from-latest-injury-setback/

Awaziem Extends Poor Disciplinary Record With 11th Booking Of The Season For Porto



FC Porto Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem received his 11th yellow card of the season as FC Porto II ended a five game winless run with a 2-0 win over Penafiel.


Awaziem was on for the entire duration of the game, and as usual marshaled the defence line from his role as the central defender of the under-performing defending champions of the second division in Portugal.


However he got booked in the 57th minute, his second booking in consecutive games as well as his 11th of the season with the B team of FC Porto.


The 20 year old had his breakthrough last season with the first team, where he made 13 appearances but so far he is yet to get a game with the first team.


His poor disciplinary record could be one of the reasons why he is no longer with the first team, as he has form a habit of picking up cards for foul play although he has only been sent off once.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/16/awaziem-extends-poor-disciplinary-record-with-11th-booking-of-the-season-for-porto/

Exclusive: Inter-Milan Nigerian Teen Awua Courted By Serie A Rivals Roma



Highly rated Nigerian teen midfielder Theophilus Awua is seriously courting interest from Serie A side Roma, Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.


Awua joined Inter-Milan in the summer on loan from Spezia on a deal that gives the Milan side the first option of signing him permanently in the summer.


However Inter are yet to firm up their interest in the 18 year old, who has evolved into one of the stars of their Primavera side in his first season with the club.


Roma are reportedly lining up a move for the services of the box to box midfielder, and contact have already been established with Spezia, the club that owns the economic right of the Football Abuja graduate.


Rated by former England international John Fashanu as one of the best teen prospect in Nigeria football, his future will no doubt cause both teams to go up against each other in the summer.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/16/exclusive-inter-milan-nigerian-teen-awua-courted-by-serie-a-rivals-roma/

Arsenal Loanee Kelechi Nwakali Fails To Sparkle Once Again, Coach Unhappy With His Display



MVV Maastricht promotion hopes suffered another set back yesterday after Jong Ajax held them to a 1-1 draw in their rescheduled tie at the Sportpark De Toekomst.


Jong Ajax who are also battling to gain promotion to the elite division in the Netherlands are now six points behind leaders VVV-Venlo, while Maastricht stay rooted at 4th position, ten points behind the leaders.

One major concern for coach Ron Elsen of Maastricht has been the poor form of Arsenal loanee Kelechi Nwakali since the start of 2017.


Nwakali started his season long loan spell with the club like a house on fire, scoring his first professional goal aside picking up man of the match awards in three of the games he played in the first stanza.


However since the start of 2017 he has failed to build on his early season momentum, a form which has affected the overall performance of the team.


” Some players are struggling but it is not about them but the entire team. Kelechi can obviously do better but we have to remember he is only 18 years old, plus this is his first season, that alone makes it up for him even though am unhappy with his performance of late”, Elsen said.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/arsenal-loanee-kelechi-nwakali-fails-to-sparkle-once-again-coach-unhappy-with-his-display/

Musa Yahaya Trains With FC Porto First Team, Set For Debut Against Tondela This Weekend



FC Porto fast rising Nigerian teen forward Musa Yahaya trained with the first team of the Portuguese giants, and reports suggest he could make his debut this weekend.


Yahaya joined FC Porto in the summer from fellow Portuguese side Portimonense, but despite several session with the first team he is yet to make his debut for the team.


In the first half of the season, he spent more time training with the main team which cost him his debut with the B team who are campaigning in the second division in Portugal.


However since the turn of the year, he has had more sessions with the B team than the main team, although he is also yet to make his debut for them as well.


His latest invitation to join the first team in training came at a time where there are speculations that some youngsters could be handed debut by coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/15/musa-yahaya-trains-with-fc-porto-first-team-set-for-debut-against-tondela-this-weekend/

AF South Africa 2016 FAZ Super League South Africa U20
COSAFA want Amajaita or Zambia to lift U20 AFCON

Zambia Players celebrates victory during the 2016 Cosafa U20 Youth Championship Final match between South Africa and Zambia


Council of Southern African Football Associations president Philip Chiyangwa has urged the South African and Zambian squads to lift the U20 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.


Chiyangwa was quoted by Zambian media, saying he expects COSAFA representatives to bring glory to the region.


The outspoken boss, who is also the president of Zimbabwean Football Association, said the COSAFA region will rally behind Zambia and South Africa during the two-week tournament.


Junior Chipolopolo are in Group A alongside Egypt, Guinea and Mali and will be stationed in Lusaka while Amajita are in Group B with Cameroon, Senegal and Sudan and will be based in Ndola.


“As COSAFA, we are extremely proud of Zambia and South Africa, who qualified for the Total Under- 20 Africa Cup of Nations,” said Chiyangwa.


Chiyangwa remains upbeat that both the junior Chipolopolo and Amajita will conquer Africa, thus making the Southern African region proud.


The junior continental tournament is set to get underway on February 28 and runs until March 12 in Lusaka and Ndola, Zambia.


Meanwhile, the top-four finishers will automatically book a ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Youth Championship to be held in South Korea in May.

africanfootball.com/news/688212/COSAFA-want-Amajaita-or-Zambia-to-lift-U20-AFCON

AF Zambia 2016 FAZ Super League Zambia U20
Mwepu: We will deliver U20 AFCON title for mother Zambia



Enock Mwepu

Zambia Under-20 international Enock Mwepu is looking forward to participating in the 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.


The talented winger hit the back of the net as Junior Chipolopolo overcome fellow U20 AFCON finalists South Africa 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.


Junior Chipolopolo, who also beat SA's Amajita in the 2016 U20 COSAFA Cup final, hosted their rivals in Lusaka, Zambia in an international friendly.


“We have prepared adequately for the tournament. We will deliver for mother Zambia,” Mwepu said on SuperSport.com.


“We thank the administrators and coaches for the tremendous work they are putting into the team.


“We thank God for the victory. It was not easy, as you know that South Africa are Zambia’s archrivals,” Mwepu concluded.


Zambia will host this year's U20 AFCON finals between 26 February - 12 March. Junior Chipolopolo and Amajita are in Group A and Group B respectively.

africanfootball.com/news/688435/Mwepu-We-will-deliver-U20-AFCON-title-for-mother-Zambia

AF South Africa 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations South Africa U20
South Africa U20 need to improve finishing, says Senong


Thabo Senong and Owen Da Gama

South Africa Under-20 head coach Thabo Senong feels that his side are ready to participate in the 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Zambia.


Amajita played to a 1-1 stalemate with Mali U20 in an international friendly which took place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.


"Today was a great challenge for us, we were stretched but had to dig deep," Senong said after the game.


SA are scheduled to take on Cameroon at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola in their opening game of the U20 AFCON finals on Monday, 27 February.


"We are very happy with the way the players responded and are confident that we will be ready for our first match of the CAF U-20 AFCON next Monday," he added.


"We obviously still have some work to do, we need to find a strategy to convert the many chances we create."


Amajita will then take on Senegal on the 2nd of March, before locking horns with Sudan in their final Group B encounter three days later.

africanfootball.com/news/689392/South-Africa-U20-need-to-improve-finishing-says-Senong

AF 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations Mali U20
Mali to miss Ally Malle for U-20 AFCON

Mali's midfielder Adama Traore celebrates with teammates after scoring at the U-20 World Cup


Mali have named their squad for the 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the roster does not include the name of star player Ally Malle.


The West Africans’ 21-man squad includes eight foreign-based players, but 2015 U-17 World Cup star Malle is not amongst them, with his Spanish club Granada refusing to release him.


However, Sadiki Maiga, who scored three goals at the U-17 World Cup, has been included in the squad.


The tournament will be held in the Zambian cities of Lusaka and Ndola from February 26 to March 12.


Mali will face Egypt, Zambia and Guinea in Group A. The four semifinalists will qualify for the 2017 U-20 World Cup in South Korea.

Mali squad:
Goalkeepers: Samuel Diarra (Deportivo Leaonesa, Spain), Drissa Kouyaté (AS Réal de Bamako), Modibo Traoré (FC Diarra).


Defenders: Abdoul Karim Danté (Anderlecht, Belgium), Siaka Bagayoko (Djoliba AC), Zoumana Simpara (AS Bakaridjan de Barouéli), Dramane Simpara (CS Dougouwolofila), Mamadou Koné (Onze Créateurs de Niaréla), Mamadou Fofana (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Babou Fofana (Stade Malien de Bamako).


Midfielders: Amadou Haïdara, Ousmane Diakité (both Red Bull Salzburg, Austria), Moussa Diakité (ASKO), Moussa Djenepo (Standard de Liège, Belgium), Mohamed Sangaré (AS Réal de Bamako).


Strikers: Amadou Diarra (Lafia Clube de Bamako), Ibrahima Koné (Club Olympique de Bamako), Boubacar Traoré (Jeanne d’Arc), Cheick Ismaïla Coulibaly (CS Dougouwolofila), Sidiki Maïga ( A.D Alcorcon, Spain), Sékou Koïta ( Red Bull Salzburg, Austria).

africanfootball.com/news/689556/Mali-to-miss-Ally-Malle-for-U-20-AFCON

AF Zambia 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations Zambia U20
Zambia reveals U20 AFCON squad


Zambia Players celebrates victory during the 2016 Cosafa U20 Youth Championship Final match between South Africa and Zambia

Zambian U20 coach Beston Chambeshi says it was not easy to select his final 21-man squad for the upcoming 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.


Chambeshi announced his squad on Sunday as they will host the tournament in Lusaka and Ndola.


The Young Chipolopolo are in Group A with Egypt, Guinea and Mali while Group B has Cameroon, Senegal, South Africa and Sudan.


Chambeshi has named five foreign-based players in the team, including midfielders Kenneth Kalunga, Mumba Mwape and Emmanuel Banda.


“It was not easy for us [the technical bench] to come up with the final team. We cracked our heads a bit due to the high level of competition amongst players,” said Chambeshi.


“If we had a choice we could have kept all players but again we can’t go beyond CAF requirement.


“I can assure the nation that we have picked a team which will conquer the continent. It is a team which will give the nation a smile.”


Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development, Moses Mawere said the mascot named Nkwazi symbolises the unity and hard work the nation has enjoyed since independence.


The tournament gets underway on February 26 until March 12 and the top-four finishers will qualify for the 2017 FIFA South Korea World Youth Championship in May.

africanfootball.com/news/689565/Zambia-reveals-U20-AFCON-squad

AF Zambia 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations Zambia U20
Zambia out to down Guinea

The Zambian U20 national team will be out to down Guinea in their opening U20 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, Group A encounter on Sunday.


Under the guidance of coach Beston Chambeshi, the junior Chipolopolo are targeting a win as they want to raise their hopes of lifting the trophy.


Playing in front of their home crowd, Zambia will be motivated to go all the way and make the country proud.


On the other hand, they will be boosted by their 2016 COSAFA Cup glory last year as they downed South Africa in Rustenburg.


Ahead of the tournament, they beat Amajita 2-1, as well as travelling to Europe to beat FC Basel and Tenerife juniors in friendlies which will give their confidence a major boost.


Chambeshi will bank on his prolific striker Fashion Sakala to cause all sorts of problems for Guinea come Sunday afternoon.


“We are a serious working team. My boys played well. It was not an easy game but what is important was to win, especially that this is our first game at home,” said Chambeshi.


“We need to maintain the same level. I can assure the nation that we have picked a team which will conquer the continent. It is a team which will give the nation a smile.”


Looking at the junior Syli Nationale, they will also hope to bag a win and stun the hosts in the opening group encounter.


The Guinean side have had a good run in the qualifiers as they managed to bag wins over Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia as well as Liberia.


Coming to the Southern African part of the continent pushes them to go all out for glory, but it will not be an easy feat to achieve.


The encounter will be staged at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday at 15:00.

africanfootball.com/news/690349/Zambia-out-to-down-Guinea

AF Zambia 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations Zambia U20
Zambia out to down Guinea


Zambia U20 team

The Zambian U20 national team will be out to down Guinea in their opening U20 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, Group A encounter on Sunday.


Under the guidance of coach Beston Chambeshi, the junior Chipolopolo are targeting a win as they want to raise their hopes of lifting the trophy.


Playing in front of their home crowd, Zambia will be motivated to go all the way and make the country proud.


On the other hand, they will be boosted by their 2016 COSAFA Cup glory last year as they downed South Africa in Rustenburg.


Ahead of the tournament, they beat Amajita 2-1, as well as travelling to Europe to beat FC Basel and Tenerife juniors in friendlies which will give their confidence a major boost.


Chambeshi will bank on his prolific striker Fashion Sakala to cause all sorts of problems for Guinea come Sunday afternoon.


“We are a serious working team. My boys played well. It was not an easy game but what is important was to win, especially that this is our first game at home,” said Chambeshi.


“We need to maintain the same level. I can assure the nation that we have picked a team which will conquer the continent. It is a team which will give the nation a smile.”

Looking at the junior Syli Nationale, they will also hope to bag a win and stun the hosts in the opening group encounter.


The Guinean side have had a good run in the qualifiers as they managed to bag wins over Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia as well as Liberia.


Coming to the Southern African part of the continent pushes them to go all out for glory, but it will not be an easy feat to achieve.


The encounter will be staged at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday at 15:00.

africanfootball.com/news/690349/Zambia-out-to-down-Guinea

AF 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations
Botswana FA wish Bondo all the best at U20 AFCON finals


Referee Joshua Bondo cautions Stephan Mpondo Kingue of Cameroon after he fouls Krahire Yannick Zakri of Ivory Coast during the 2016 CHAN Rwanda quarterfinal between Cameroon and Ivory Coast at Huye Stadium, Butare on 30 January 2016 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix


by Austin Ditlhobolo

Botswana's top referee Joshua Bondo is set to officiate at the 2017 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Zambia.


Nicknamed Sprinter, Bondo officiated at the recent 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon and he's now set to officiate at another continental tournament.


The Botswana Football Association (BFA) announced the news on their official Facebook.


"Mr Joshua Bondo will leave tomorrow morning 24.02.2017 (1125hrs) for Lusaka to officiate in the AFCON U20 games and he will return to Gaborone, Botswana on the 13.03.2017 (1705hrs).


"We wish him all the best as he continues to shine," the statement read.


This year's U20 AFCON finals will be held between 26 February - 12 March.

africanfootball.com/news/690512/Botswana-FA-wish-Bondo-all-the-best-at-U20-AFCON-finals

AF 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt U20
Mali out to stun Egypt in U20 AFCON clash


Egypt and Mali will square off in the 2017 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A game at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 18h00 (CAT).
The Young Pharaohs of Egypt booked their place in the continental tournament after overcoming Rwanda and Angola in the qualifying campaign.
Attacking midfielder Karim Walid Hassan and striker Taher Mohamed were the Young Pharaohs' key players during their qualifying campaign.
Egypt have won the U20 AFCON title four times. The last time they lifted the trophy was in 2013, but they failed to qualify for the 2015 tournament.
Meanwhile, the young Eagles of Mali beat Mauritania and their West African rivals Burkina Faso to qualify for this year's finals.
Sidiki Maiga is the player to watch out for in the young Eagles team. The forward grabbed two goals for his side during the qualifying campaign.
Mali have never won the U20 AFCON title, but they reached the final in 1989. They were beaten by Flying Eagles of Nigeria in the final.
The opening Group A game will feature the tournament hosts Zambia and Guinea in Lusaka.

africanfootball.com/news/690802/Mali-out-to-stun-Egypt-in-U20-AFCON-clash

AF Zambia 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations
Guinea open U20 AFCON with a loss


Zambia's Patson Daka

Guinea failed to overcome Zambia in their 2017 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Group A match as they lost 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at National Stadium in Lusaka.


In the wake of the defeat, the junior Sylli Nationale remain placed at the bottom of the log table with zero points from one and they will have to beat Egypt on Wednesday, March 1.


The hosts managed to bag the second half winning goal through Patson Daka.


Zambia started like a house on fire as they probed for an early goal, but the young Syli Nationale stood their ground.


Beston Chambeshi's men were cautioned when Boyd Musonda recived a warning when he fouled Ibrahima Sylla in the with one minute to go to the interval.


Despite pressure from the hosts, Guinea managed to absorb it and frustrated the Junior Chipolopolo as the Group A encounter failed to produce the goals in the first half.


However, the hosts nearly bagged the lead after creating three clear cut opportunities four minutes into the second stanza.


Chambeshi's efforts to motivate his charges came to fruition when they broke the deadlock in the 48th minute through Daka.


The win now takes Chambeshi's men to top spot on the log table with three points and will now be motivated for their next match against Mali on March 1.

Zambia (0) 1 (Daka 48')
Guinea 0


Zambia: Banda, Nyondo, Chiluay, S Sakala, Luchanga, F Sakala, Mwepu, Mayembe, Chilufya, Dhaka, Musonda


Guinea: Camara, Sylla, Diaby, M Camara, D Camara, Yansane, A Camara, Kane, Soumah, Bangoura (M. Sylla 51')

africanfootball.com/news/691098/Guinea-open-U20-AFCON-with-a-loss

2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations
Egypt & Mali play to stalemate



Egypt and Mali played to a goalless draw in their opening Group A, 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations match at the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday afternoon.


It was a rather sloppy game in heavy rain as neither side were able to create a fluid rhythm of play.


Instead, both sides squandered possession and were poor in the final third, with very few real goal scoring chances created.


The result leaves Egypt and Mali tied in second place in Group A, behind Zambia on three points while Guinea prop up the standings with zero points.


Zambia top Group A after beating Guinea 1-0 earlier in the day, at the same venue, courtesy of a second half goal from Patson Daka.


The next set of U20 Afcon fixtures take place on Monday as Group B gets underway with Senegal taking on Sudan while Cameroon will go up against South Africa.


Group A are next in action again on Wednesday, March 1 when Guinea take on Egypt and Mali face Zambia.

africanfootball.com/news/691151/Egypt-Mali-play-to-stalemate

Highly Rated Nigerian Teen Akammadu Net Brace For Cesena To Deny Fiorentina Victory



Italian-Nigerian forward Franklyn Akammadu was the star for the Primavera side of Cesena scoring twice to help them draw 2-2 against his former side Fiorentina.


18 year old Akammadu left Fiorentina for Cesena on a permanent deal in the summer for a fee in the region of €75,000 after a successful loan spell with the U-19s of the Serie B side.


So far he has proven to be a bargain buy with nine goals in 14 games in the Primavera League, a tally which has seen him make the step up to the main team, where he has made the bench in Serie B games.


Known for his speed and decisiveness in front of goal, the forward revealed his parents are from Nigeria, which lead to talks about a potential battle for his international future when he is fully established as a professional.


Already on loan Roma forward Sadiq Umar has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that the forward plays for Nigeria ahead of Italy due to his potentials.

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/02/26/highly-rated-nigerian-teen-akammadu-net-brace-for-cesena-to-deny-fiorentina-victory/

BlackAlbino6:
2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations
Egypt & Mali play to stalemate



Egypt and Mali played to a goalless draw in their opening Group A, 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations match at the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday afternoon.


It was a rather sloppy game in heavy rain as neither side were able to create a fluid rhythm of play.


Instead, both sides squandered possession and were poor in the final third, with very few real goal scoring chances created.


The result leaves Egypt and Mali tied in second place in Group A, behind Zambia on three points while Guinea prop up the standings with zero points.


Zambia top Group A after beating Guinea 1-0 earlier in the day, at the same venue, courtesy of a second half goal from Patson Daka.


The next set of U20 Afcon fixtures take place on Monday as Group B gets underway with Senegal taking on Sudan while Cameroon will go up against South Africa.


Group A are next in action again on Wednesday, March 1 when Guinea take on Egypt and Mali face Zambia.

africanfootball.com/news/691151/Egypt-Mali-play-to-stalemate

pls forgive ma outburst in advance,
this thread is for Nigeria youth production both home and away,
NT for Africa plz, jst only naija

Singh inspires South Africa to victory in U20 AFCON clash


Luther Singh of South Africa

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Luther Singh's hat-trick helped South Africa thrash Cameroon 3-1 in their first 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B game at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Monday.


The victory took Amajita to the top of Group B with three points, while Cameroon are rooted at the bottom without a point.

The Young Indomitable Lions dominated the opening stages of the game applying pressure on the Amajita defence, while looking for an early goal.


Mondli Mpoto, the Amajita goalkeeper, produced two magnificent saves to deny Cameroon winger Ketu Jih Kalvin from close range just six minutes into the game.


However, Mpoto was beaten nine minutes later when a beautiful cross found Eric Ayuk Mbu at the back post and he headed home to make it 1-0 to Cameroon.


South Africa then pressed for the equalizing goal and four minutes they were awarded a free-kick after Sibongakonke Mbatha was fouled near the Cameroon box.


Luther Singh then fired the resultant free-kick into the back of the net beating Young Indomitable Lions' towering keeper Junior Dande to make it 1-1 for South Africa.


The momentum was now with Amajita and in the 25th minute, they were awarded a penalty after diminutive midfielder Mbatha was fouled inside the Cameroon box.


Once again Singh made no mistake as he stepped up and fired past Dande with a well-taken effort from the spot-kick to hand South Africa the lead for the first time on the night.


With his side trailing Cameroon coach Cyrian Besong Achu, decided to introduce Cendric Nganle Chenkam for Jih, but Amajita held on to their lead and they were 2-1 up at half-time.


The South African defence were put under pressure after the restart as the Cameroonians looked to level matters, but they were struggling to penetrate the backline.


Amajita extended their lead in the 57th minute when Mbatha's long ball sent Singh through on goal and latter dribbled past Dande, before hitting the back of the net to make it 3-1 to South Africa.


Duplexe Tchamba Bangou, the Cameroon defender, nearly scored an own goal in the 70th minute, but fortunately for him, his header went wide of the target with Dande looking on.


It was end-to-end in the late stages of the game as Ayuk burst into the South Africa box ten minutes later, but Wiseman Meyiwa's did brilliantly to stop the forward from netting his second goal.


Nevertheless, South Africa stood firm at the back in the dying minutes of the game and they emerged 3-1 winners on the night thanks to Singh's hat-trick.

Cameroon (1) (Ayuk 15'
South Africa (2) (Singh 17', 25', 57')

Cameroon: Dande, Tchamba, Nouhou, Gouet, Jih (Chenkam 40', Beligine 84'), Mpindi, Ayuk, Mbaizo, Djoubairou, Tabortetaka, Soni (Moudoumbou 72')

South Africa: Mpoto, Mukumela, Ngcobo, Mohamme, Mthethwa, Meyiwa, Margeman (Mbule 85'), Mokoena, Mbatha, Singh (Jordan 90'), Shopane (Kodisang 66')

http://africanfootball.com/news/691461/Singh-inspires-South-Africa-to-victory-in-U20-AFCON-clash