The Flying Eagles Class of 2021 under the watch of coach Ladan Bosso are taking shape gradually ahead of the forthcoming U20 AFCON zonal qualifiers.
They have thus far played three matches against local teams, won all, scored 12 goals and kept a clean sheet.
SCORENigeria takes a closer look at the players making the new Junior Eagles to tick in Bosso’s favoured 4-3-3 formation.
GOAL
The three shot stoppers in training camp now are Kola Oladipo from Crown FC, Chibueze Lambert of Abia Warriors and former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper John Amah.
Lambert is the interim captain of the team, but he will be pushed for the No 1 jersey by the other two.
DEFENCE
The Kwara United central defence pair of Chris Nweze and Isaiah Ejeh have continued to catch the eye in the heart of the back four courtesy of a formidable partnership.
At left back position is currently held by Imoh Obot from Enyimba after his recent transfer from Dakkada, while Mike Zaruma of Plateau United, who was part of the last team, has been manning the rightback position.
MIDFIELD
Zulkifilu Rabiu, who played at rightback at the last U20 World Cup in Poland at the tender age of 17, is now played in defensive midfield along with player from last year’s side, Adewale Oladoye from Water FC.
There is also the little terrier Liameed Quadri, who has also been involved with the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles previously.
His 36 Lion of Lagos teammate Azeez Oseni is the team’s playmaker, who provides the creativity in the engine room.
ATTACK
The wingers are proving to be the main weapon the new-look Flying Eagles need to wreck opponents.
Kwara United winger Farawola Olawale Samuel has been buzzing down the flanks for the team with Nenrot Silas of Plateau United also pushing him for a first-team place.
There is also Ogunniyi OmoJesu from Sunshine Stars.
Chisom Orji, who was part of the last U23 team, has held his own on the left wing. His style has been compared to that former Barcelona star Emmanuel Amuneke – purposeful and weighs in with his own fair share of goals.
Saidu Salisu of Akwa United is the arrowhead of the strike force.
Other contenders are youngster Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, who has netted three goals in the test games thus far. He was discovered in Umuahia and he has been tipped for the top.
