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Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 8:34am On May 23, 2015
joseph1013:
[b][size=14pt]EXCL: Flying Eagles ace Bulbwa: I don't belong to Esperance[/size]

https://africanfootball.com/bp_images/2015/05/Samm_23_February_1_580x473.jpg

World Cup-bound Flying Eagles forward Bernard Bulbwa has dropped a bombshell after claiming he does belong to Tunisian club Esperance despite agreeing personal and other terms with them in April as they have failed to meet their obligations.

Bulbwa told AfricanFootball.com he and his representatives are yet to get a copy of what he was supposed to have agreed with Esperance and this was despite several promises by the top Tunisian club they will get across the contract to them.

Esperance also promised to pay him part of the signing-on fee upon his signing the contract, but he has yet to receive any cash from them.

“I am not yet an Esperance player,” declared the 18-year-old forward to AfricanFootball.com

“I remember signing some documents at Esperance, but I don’t even have a copy of what I have signed with this club, same thing with my manager.

“They have been promising to send us copies of this agreement for more than a month now and they are yet to do so.

“Even the money they promised to give me for signing, they have not given me the money.

“As a result of this, I am still a free player and my manager is ready to listen to any club who wish to sign me.”

However, Bulbwa, whose stunning goal won Nigeria a record seventh African Youth Championship in Dakar, Senegal, maintained that the controversies surrounding his reported transfer to Esperance will not make him lose focus at the U20 World Cup, which starts next week in New Zealand.

“I am fully concentrated on the World Cup because I know what is at stake for both my country and myself,” he told AfricanFootball.com

“My manager will handle anything to do with my transfer.”

AfricanFootball.com has further gathered that Bulbwa’s UK-based manager Frankie Stephen did not represent his client in Tunis last month, which runs foul of FIFA rules.

And he only met with Esperance officials led by vice-president Ziad Tlemcani for the first time after several failed appointments earlier this week.

Tlemcani made several promises to the agent, which included sending him a copy of the contract, but which he again failed to honour.

Stephen has already told AfricanFootball.com that his player does not have a contract with Esperance.

Bulbwa reportedly agreed a five-year contract with Esperance worth $1.2 million. [/b]
This guy should be wary of the ground he is treading... At the other side of stardom is oblivion... At this stage of his career right decisions are sacrosant. My personal submission is simple- europe should always get the nod ahead north africa- they got the best development programmes... He can eventually choose to retire at esperance anyway grin
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 8:20am On May 23, 2015
FIFA U20 World Cup| Sokari oldest in Flying Eagles squad
By David Tamaraebiere May 22, 2015






Flying Eagles midfielder Kingsley Sokari who will clock 20 years on the day the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup will kick off in faraway New Zealand is the oldest in the Nigeria squad adjudged to be the youngest by FIFA.

The Enyimba star who made the 21- man list that will represent Nigeria at the FIFA tournament boasts of some little experience in the round leather game which is expected to be of great advantage to the Coach Garba Manu handled side.

Sokari who has been very impressive in the local scene has also been invited to the Super Eagles camp by Coach Stephen Keshi while Coach Samson Siasia is also eyeing the midfielder to be part of his team to the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo and the Olympic Games qualifiers.

Next to Sokari in the team is KAA Gent of Belgium forward, Moses Simon who clocks 20 on July 12.

Meanwhile, the youngest in the team is midfielder Ifeanyi Mattew who is a little bit above 18.

The Flying Eagles who have spent some days in Germany preparing for the tournament, will face the hurdles of Brazil, Hungary and North Korea in the first round of the tournament billed to kick off on May 30 in New Zealand.​

Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 10:00pm On May 22, 2015
EagleScribes:
We lost to Japan, not Korea. it was a tactical error.

We conceded two quick goals when Mikel was taken off
Nope bro... It was south korea
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 9:20pm On May 22, 2015
safarigirl:
first off, that is a highly unnflattering picture of Awoniyi and I DEMAND you change it with immediate alacrity angry

Secondly, if Iheanachoa at 6ft.2" is shorter than Awoniyi my loff in metres, that means Awo should be somewhere around 6ft.4", putting the likes of Alamps and Joshua roughly at 6ft5"-6".....

And I remember someone from the U-17 thread 2 years ago saying Alamps was too short to be a Premier League goalie at 6ft1", see? These kids applied with their authentic age grin
As you can see he is in action.... the pic was taken at the heat of the moment.... cheesy
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 8:19pm On May 22, 2015
linked:
2015 U20 W/Cup: Ngeria Players’ Profiles



Name: Joshua ENAHOLO
Date of Birth: 24.07.1996
Position: Goal Keeper
Current Club: MFM FC (NGA)
Height: 181





Name: Dele ALAMPASU

Date Of Birth: 24.12.1996

Position: Goal Keeper

Current Club: Football College Academy (NGA)

Height: 180







Name: Olorunleke OJO
Date Of Birth: 17.08.1995
Position: Goal Keeper
Current Club: Giwa FC (NGA)
Height: 189




Name: Musa MUHAMMED
Date Of Birth: 31.10.1996
Position: Defender
Current Club: FC Heart Academy (NGA)
Height: 174





Name: Abdullahi MUSTAPHA
Date Of Birth: 18.01.1996
Position: Defender
Current Club: Spotlights FC (NGA)
Height: 167





Name: Zaharaddeen BELLO
Date Of Birth: 21.12.1997
Position: Defender
Current Club: Dabo Babes Academy (NGA)
Height: 177





Name: Onyinye NDIDI
Date Of Birth: 16.12.1996
Position: Defender
Current Club: KRC Genk (BEL)
Height: 186






Name: Prince OMEGO
Date Of Birth: 5.08.1996
Position: Defender
Current Club: Apapa Golden Stars FC (NGA)
Height: 174





Name: Akinjide IDOWU
Date Of Birth: 09.09.1996
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Nigeria Young Academy (NGA)
Height: 171





Name: Bernard BULBWA
Date Of Birth: 11.10.1996
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Shuttle Sports Academy (NGA)
Height: 166







Name: Kingsley SOKARI
Date Of Birth: 30.05.1995
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Enyimba FC (NGA)
Height: 172






Name: Musa YAHAYA
Date Of Birth: 16.12.1997
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur FC (ENG)
Height: 170






Name: Ifeanyi MATHEW
Date Of Birth: 20.01.1997
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: El-Kanemi Warriors FC (NGA)
Height: 173







Name: Ifeanyi IFEANYI
Date Of Birth: 15.08.1995
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Water FC (NGA)
Height: 173




Name: Chidiebere NWAKALI
Date of Birth: 26.12.1996
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Manchester City FC (ENG)
Height: 173







Name: Success ISAAC
Date Of Birth: 07.01.1996
Position: Forward
Current Club: Granada CF (ESP)
Height: 178






Name: Kelechi IHEANACHO
Date Of Birth: 03.10.1996
Position: Forward
Current Club: Manchester City FC (ENG)
Height: 177




Name: Saviour GODWIN
Date Of Birth: 22.08.1996
Position: Forward
Current Club: FC Sports (NGA)
Height: 170






Name: Chidera EZEH
Date Of Birth: 02.10.1997
Position: Forward
Current Club: FC Porto (POR)
Height: 180



Name: Taiwo AWONIYI
Date Of Birth: 12.08.1997
Position: Forward
Current Club: Imperial Academy (NGA)
Height: 181






Name: Moses SIMON
Date Of Birth: 12.07.1995
Position: Forward
Current Club: KAA Gent (BEL)
Height: 168





Coach: Manu GARBA (NGA)






pictures soon!!

Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked:
2015 U20 W/Cup: Ngeria Players’ Profiles



Name: Joshua ENAHOLO
Date of Birth: 24.07.1996
Position: Goal Keeper
Current Club: MFM FC (NGA)
Height: 181





Name: Dele ALAMPASU

Date Of Birth: 24.12.1996

Position: Goal Keeper

Current Club: Football College Academy (NGA)

Height: 180







Name: Olorunleke OJO
Date Of Birth: 17.08.1995
Position: Goal Keeper
Current Club: Giwa FC (NGA)
Height: 189




Name: Musa MUHAMMED
Date Of Birth: 31.10.1996
Position: Defender
Current Club: FC Heart Academy (NGA)
Height: 174





Name: Abdullahi MUSTAPHA
Date Of Birth: 18.01.1996
Position: Defender
Current Club: Spotlights FC (NGA)
Height: 167





Name: Zaharaddeen BELLO
Date Of Birth: 21.12.1997
Position: Defender
Current Club: Dabo Babes Academy (NGA)
Height: 177





Name: Onyinye NDIDI
Date Of Birth: 16.12.1996
Position: Defender
Current Club: KRC Genk (BEL)
Height: 186






Name: Prince OMEGO
Date Of Birth: 5.08.1996
Position: Defender
Current Club: Apapa Golden Stars FC (NGA)
Height: 174





Name: Akinjide IDOWU
Date Of Birth: 09.09.1996
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Nigeria Young Academy (NGA)
Height: 171





Name: Bernard BULBWA
Date Of Birth: 11.10.1996
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Shuttle Sports Academy (NGA)
Height: 166







Name: Kingsley SOKARI
Date Of Birth: 30.05.1995
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Enyimba FC (NGA)
Height: 172






Name: Musa YAHAYA
Date Of Birth: 16.12.1997
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur FC (ENG)
Height: 170






Name: Ifeanyi MATHEW
Date Of Birth: 20.01.1997
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: El-Kanemi Warriors FC (NGA)
Height: 173







Name: Ifeanyi IFEANYI
Date Of Birth: 15.08.1995
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Water FC (NGA)
Height: 173




Name: Chidiebere NWAKALI
Date of Birth: 26.12.1996
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Manchester City FC (ENG)
Height: 173







Name: Success ISAAC
Date Of Birth: 07.01.1996
Position: Forward
Current Club: Granada CF (ESP)
Height: 178






Name: Kelechi IHEANACHO
Date Of Birth: 03.10.1996
Position: Forward
Current Club: Manchester City FC (ENG)
Height: 187




Name: Saviour GODWIN
Date Of Birth: 22.08.1996
Position: Forward
Current Club: FC Sports (NGA)
Height: 170






Name: Chidera EZEH
Date Of Birth: 02.10.1997
Position: Forward
Current Club: FC Porto (POR)
Height: 180



Name: Taiwo AWONIYI
Date Of Birth: 12.08.1997
Position: Forward
Current Club: Imperial Academy (NGA)
Height: 181






Name: Moses SIMON
Date Of Birth: 12.07.1995
Position: Forward
Current Club: KAA Gent (BEL)
Height: 168





Coach: Manu GARBA (NGA)






pictures soon!!

Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 7:33pm On May 22, 2015
linked:
guys what your thought on this.....



@guysly2much....Ahead of the WYC.... Am not scared of Brazil am worried about korea DPR...You truely dont know what to expect of them
every one seems to be so absorbed in Nig vs brasil game.... can someone pls give a sypnosis of the korea DPR team.... @ the 2005 WYC Nigeria drew brazil but lost their second game to korea 2 goals to one.... Could this present korean team be holding something special huh

cc joseph1013
cc all the thread addicts grin
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 7:16pm On May 22, 2015
jobsat34:
its automatic qualification.. the seedling and ranking has been change for 15/16 champions league..
League winner in top 7 league will be seeded in Pot 1.. while the defending champion will complete that last 8
England, spain, germany, italy, portugal, france, holland and belgium...
never knew this.... tnx 4 d update
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 10:39am On May 22, 2015
guys what your thought on this.....



@guysly2much....Ahead of the WYC.... Am not scared of Brazil am worried about korea DPR...You truely dont know what to expect of them
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 10:04am On May 22, 2015
safarigirl:
bros stop dragging us back. We've seen all this, go through the thread before you start posting news you think we'll be interested in.

We have a regular updater here already, if you must update, ensure you're posting up to date news, though it will be hard to outpost Joseph1013
well said...
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 8:45am On May 22, 2015
tbaba1234:
GENT are Champions, Simon Moses is a champ...

Simon Moses is a BALLER!! folks... did not score but was a terror in chief, he was felled by the Liege defender for Gent's second goal today (A penalty) .

I seriously think, he is better than Musah Yahaya and Bulbwa. He glides past his marker with pace....

Chai!!! Manu is blessed with talents.
yahaya's work rate is second to non.... thats why he remains manu's special one
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 8:21am On May 22, 2015
LeeCodeman:
Please, is Gent going to qualify directly into the Champions'league as the Champions of Belgium or will they play Playoffs?
playoffs things bro
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 8:05am On May 22, 2015
Orkpekyandega:
Chidera Ezeh Dismisses Brazil Threat.
With only eleven days left before the Flying Eagles opening fixture against Brazil at the FIFA Under 20 World Cup, FC Porto Under 19 forward Chidera Ezeh is brimming with confidence.
Five-time champions at U20 level, theSeleçãoSub-20, have included some marquee names on their roster including Fluminense striker Kenedy, who is attracting genuine interest from Chelsea ahead of the reopening of the transfer window, and Real Madrid’s Jean Carlos.
Those Brazilian names might ring a bell globally, and definitely in South America, but Chidera Ezeh says he’s not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the attackers and has pointed out that the Nigeria U20s prepared adequately for the tournament in New Zealand.
”We respect all our opponents but we don’t fear them,” Chidera Ezeh toldSL10.ngafter training on Thursday morning.
”In these modern days all the teams are good and what we saw here (in Germany) is not different from others and surely we will gain a lot of experience playing them.
”We will take each game as it comes.”
In the build-up to the mouth-watering clash against Brazil in New Plymouth, the Flying Eagles were involved in three scrimmages and won all the games, scoring 14 goals.
Source: thenationonlineng.net/new/chidera-ezeh-dismisses-brazil-threat/
It is already 9 days bro grin
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked:
lexyman:
Just like that! Every of the player has a role to play .But going by the youtube clips of Moses Simon , I will prefer him on the left to perform the magic and make us proud .
Yea.. He has the final group game to play after qualification to knock out stage is already in the bag. just hope he grabs it with both hands smiley
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked:
finniblinks:
...........................Enaholo..........................
/
M.Musa....Bello.............Ndidi..........Mustapha
/
............I.Ifeanyi...........Sokari...........................
/
..........................I.Matthew............................
/
Iheanacho...................................S.Moses..............
/
...............................Awoniyi................................
/
/
Young eagles go for GOLD!
yahaya or bulbwa for nacho...not sure yet who between them will get d node..... Godwin 4 moses
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 8:05pm On May 20, 2015
femi9naija:
Musa Mohammed, center back? **DIES**
pour him some water to revive him... but he didnt make it grin grin grin

modified...on
CB or RB... He needs to be more disciplined.... rewatch Nig vs sweden u17 group game
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 8:09am On May 20, 2015
semid4lyfe:
Which do you want? Sticky the thread, front page it or both? grin
Clap for your self grin
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 8:06am On May 20, 2015
semid4lyfe:
Which do you want? Sticky the thread, front page it or both? grin
Both sire!
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 8:02am On May 20, 2015
The lad called kelechi kelechi... with what i have been hearing about him in camp....hmmm dat guy might just be the outstanding player of this tornament
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 6:40am On May 20, 2015
By Nurudeen Obalola:

Nigerian youngster Kelechi Iheanacho was the star of the show on Tuesday night as Manchester City’s U-21s handed out a sound beating to Southampton U-21s in an U-21 Premier League match.

Iheanacho, who has been included in the Flying Eagles squad to next month’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, scored one of the goals and assisted two others as Patrick Vieira’s Elite Development Squad won 4-0.

The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup Most Valuable Player was on from the start on Tuesday night and set up the first goal when his pass was turned in by Aaron Nemane in the 37th minute.

The former Golden Eaglet was involved 12 minutes later when he exchaged passes with Brandon Barker, who netted City’s third goal.

Iheanacho then scored City’s fourth in the 67th minute from close range, to cap an eye-catching, man-of-the-match showing.

The Nigerian forward was so impressive that the Manchester City Twitter handle decribed him as ‘running riot’, and he alsmost bagged a second goal late on, forcing a save from the Southmpton keeper.

Iheanacho played the full 90 minutes and is expected to link up with the Flying Eagles soon.
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 6:37am On May 20, 2015
Man City 4-0 Southampton | Iheanacho scores; provides assists
By David Tamaraebiere May 19, 2015




Flying Eagles teen star Kelechi Iheanacho led City Elite Development revenge mission on Tuesday as they hammered Southampton under-21s at St Mary’s on Tuesday night 4-0.

Three days on from their 2-0 defeat to Saints at the Academy Stadium on Saturday, Patrick Vieira’s side ran out emphatic 4-0 winners in their penultimate Barclays u21 Premier League game of the season.

Aaron Nemane gave City the lead with his first goal at under-21 level after 37 minutes and Olivier Ntcham doubled the advantage with a brilliant long-range strike a minute before the break.

The first period had a pleasing ebb and flow to it with chances at both ends but the away side undoubtedly deserved their two-goal lead as they had seemed to improve and dominate increasingly as the half wore on.

City were even better after the break and found themselves three to the good five minutes into the half when Brandon Barker scored a fine individual goal before in-form Kelechi Iheanacho made it 4-0 on the hour to complete the rout.

The result moves City up a place to eighth in the table, just a point behind Southampton with champions Manchester United up next in their final u21 Premier League assignment at City Football Academy on Saturday.
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 9:41pm On May 19, 2015
tbaba1234:
Leke in my view is a poor keeper, He was very shaky at AYC and is making mistakes already.
There are certain persons i just so like in this term... there are some i really dont... it not prejudice but perception.... leke falls in the latter...... Dont knw what about him but aint confortable with his size..urghhh.... was even wishing he dont make the team...anyway he nailed it already
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 7:35pm On May 19, 2015
joseph1013, TheGoodJoe, tbaba1234, safarigirl and my humble self linked... respect.. grin grin grin
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 7:28pm On May 19, 2015
Let the tornament begin. grin grin
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 10:08pm On May 17, 2015
U/20 World Cup Awoniyi, Iheanacho: Shouldering hope of the nation
by PIUS ANAKALI on May 17, 2015



On Friday, Manu Garba; the Head Coach of junior national team; the Flying Eagles reeled out a list of 21-players who will represent Nigeria at the 2015, FIFA organised World Youth Championship in New Zealand. Prominent on the list are the duo of Taiwo Awoniyi and Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho.

Their inclusion in the team didn’t come as a surprise to anyone. They have always been tipped to form the engine room of the Junior Eagles. The two players shown like stars in United Arab Emirate in 2013 where Nigeria won its seventh FIFA U/17 World Cup and played major role in winning the Africa Youth Championship in Senegal in March. And it is these same players that Nigeria football fans are looking up to for victory in New Zealand from May 30th.

Ever since the Flying Eagles debuted at the world stage in 1983, the farthest the team has gone was a silver medal it won in Saudi Arabia in 1989 and another in Holland in 2005. But with the caliber of players to be displayed in New Zealand later this month, Nigerian’s are already dreaming of its first world title.

For that dream to turn reality however, the duo of Awoniyi and Iheancho must fire from all cylinders. For Iheanacho, playing at the Junior World Cup is dream comes true and says he hopes to make the best of it in New Zealand. Ever since he hit the limelight in 2013, he has remained consistent scoring in most of the matches he played.

To those who have had the opportunity of monitoring his progress, Iheanacho, is a talent waiting to explode. Austin Jay Jay Okocha described him as a star in the making; Garba Lawal sings his praises, so also is his senior team mate in Manchester, Yaya Toure who said he may be as good as Barca’s star Lionel Messi.

“Kelechi is an exciting player. I love the way he plays and I feel that he will have a good career and go on to become one of the best players of the future.’

Just like Iheancho, Awoniyi is also another exceptional player many believe can pull the WYC title in Nigeria’s favour.

He started playing at school before joining the United Academy in Kwara State. He later moved to Imperial Soccer Academy and thereafter joined the Nigeria U-15, then U-17 and now the U-20 team, with whom he would be playing at the World Cup.

Awoniyi; analysts say is a player who thrives on playing on the shoulder defenders and a lad who relishes physical battles; an attribute he uses to create space for himself.

In many ways, Awoniyi reminds one of one of Nigeria’s greatest; the late Rashidi Yekini. Just like the late Vitoria Setubal striker, Awoniyi is a fearsome prospect for defenders. He is an amalgam of power, searing pace and cool finishing.

Speaking after lifting the AYC months back, the fearsome striker, who is considered a predator with an eye for goal, said Flying Eagles’ greatest strength is not what they are capable of on the field but the love for each other.

“Our biggest strength is outside the pitch of play. It is the unity among the players. We are a big, happy family. On a personal level, scoring goals comes naturally to me. I also hold the ball up-front and try and bring my team-mates into the attack. I play for the team as well.”

So far, winning the U-17 World Cup has been the highlight of Awoniyi’s career. But he is hoping for a life changing experience in New Zealand.

“Football is unpredictable. We are African champions and we want to prove ourselves again at the World Cup. I don’t want to think of failure in New Zealand because I believe in this team.”

The Flying Eagles have been drawn into a tough group with five-time champions Brazil, Hungary and Korea DPR. Nigeria has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup more often than any other country but has fallen short at the U-20 level, twice losing the final and once finishing third, will Iheanacho and Awoniyi therefore change that history?

Well, only time will tell.
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 9:32pm On May 17, 2015
FIFA U20 W’CUP: Nigerian Players That’ll Make The Difference
May 17, 2015



By Chibuike Chukwu, Lagos



Going into the African Youth Championship (AYC) in Senegal earlier in the year, Flying Eagles under Coach Manu Garba, was understandably clear favourites.

That was not unexpected considering that the bulk of the players in the team were members of the victorious Golden Eaglets that won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Flying Eagles never disappointed, as it won the AYC, scoring 12 goals in the process.


Flying Eagles of Nigeria

Just like the Fanny Amun-tutored victorious U-17 squad of 1993, which scored 20 goals enroute winning the cadet trophy, the all-conquering U-17 squad of 2013 scored 25 goals and conceded only five on its road to winning the championship.

The members of that victorious team form the bulk of the current U- 20, who are sweating it out in Germany preparatory to the commencement of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

During the Japan 1993 U-17 FIFA World Cup, the likes of former African Footballer of the Year, Nwankwo Kanu, Wilson Oruma, Peter Anosike and Emmanuel Babayaro made the difference for the then Golden Eagles, with Oruma, who skippered the team, emerging the tournament’s top scorer.

The aforementioned players demonstrated resilience and determination in various matches, especially in the final match against the Black Meteors of Ghana. Kanu and Oruma scored 11 goals between them, with the later scoring six and the former five.

Also, during what is today known as the ‘Damman Miracle’, when the then Flying Eagles, in Saudi Arabia during the 1989 FIFA U-21 World Cup against the defunct USSR, came from behind to equalise four goals in a space of 24 minutes in a quarter final match, some players made the difference.



USSR romped into a four-goal lead and was already looking ahead to a semi-final place, when Christopher Ohenhen, Samuel Elijah and Nduka Ugbade restored parity in a time of 24 minutes. Nigeria went on to win the ensuing penalty shootout.

Now, Kelechi Iheanacho, Musa Mohammed, Isaac Success, Taiwo Awoniyi and Musa Yahaya scored 19 of the 25 goals the Golden Eaglets of 2013 scored enroute winning the trophy in the UAE. Among them were also 19 out of the 20 assists recorded by the team.

So it is obvious that Garba is hugely going to bank on the experiences and forms of these players to excel in New Zealand. It is also obvious that if these players are to be in their best element and work very hard, they will make the difference in the Flying Eagles in their quest to chasing the elusive FIFA U-20 trophy for Nigeria.

Iheanacho scored six goals in the last U-17 FIFA World Cup to emerged second highest scorer behindValmir Berisha of Sweden, who scored seven times. He was, immediately after the UAE party, snapped up by Manchester City. His greatest strength is his defence-splitting passes. He combines both feet well and serves as a link between the defenders and the attackers.

Awoniyi is another game changer for the Flying Eagles. This lethal striker currently plies his trade at Imperial Academy in Lagos. His four goals and five assists helped the then Golden Eaglets to win in UAE. He scored three goals at this year’s AYC to place second behind team mate, Musa Mohammed, who scored four times to emerged top scorer.

Awoniyi scored three times when the Flying Eagles defeated the Hoffenhien of Germany U-23 side 5-2 in one of its tune-up games preparatory to the World Cup. His greatest asset is his predatory instinct for goals.

Musa Mohammed is the captain of the team and one of the team’s most reliable defenders. As a defender, Mohammed scored three times and gave two assistance. He menacingly runs the flank.

Musa Yahaya, on his own, is a predator and has an eye for goals, even as a midfielder. He is currently a Tottenham Hotspur of England player.

There is also Chidiebera Nwakali and Isaac Success of Manchester City and Granada of Spain respectively, who scored twice each with two assists (for Success) for the Golden Eaglets two years ago.

These players ensured that the Golden Eaglets, in the UAE, broke the FIFA U-17 scoring record.

If Nigeria is to create a desired impact when hostilities begin in New Zealand, a lot will be expected of them.
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked:
kelechi iheanacho finally hit germany grin grin grin
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 10:10am On May 16, 2015
manu garba should seriously caution musa mohammed.. all those his overlappings should stop... he should remember that he is a CB and stop exposing the defense.... infact he should be told never to cross the centre line in exception of corner kicks.... and possible during last ditch efforts to equalise
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 10:03am On May 16, 2015
matthew ifeanyi...dat guy is a hard worker
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 10:01am On May 16, 2015
unless otherwise indicated, ifeanyi ifeanyi ganna play all games naija plays...in this competition..
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 10:00am On May 16, 2015
looking forward to see this guys play cos I have not seen much clips of them..... sokari, godwin and simon
Sports › Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by linked: 9:57am On May 16, 2015
The team selection is strong.... Ezeh, taiwo, success,.... hehehe..... am seeing things

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