With two Man of the Match awards, Golden Eaglets captain Simon Cletus has been one of the standout stars at the WAFU B U17 AFCON in Ghana.
The exciting attacking midfielder from Mavlon FC has lived up to expectations leading up to this sub-regional qualifying tournament.
The 16-year-old SS1 student was a fringe player at last year’s U17 AFCON in Algeria, where Nigeria failed to qualify for the U17 World Cup.
The Kadara-born youngster was called up by the Flying Eagles after he shone at this year’s Viareggio Tournament in Italy, but he could not honour the invitation.
He has already attracted interest from the Premier League as well as clubs in Austria and Croatia even if his club maintained he is focused on finishing secondary school.
“He is the conductor of the orchestra,” an impressed TV commentator gushed as the Golden Eaglets dictated the tempo in an opening Group B clash against Burkina Faso.
SCORENigeria picked him as main Golden Eaglets player to watch at the qualifying tournament in Accra.
“Golden Eaglets skipper from Mavlon FC. Attacking midfielder, who featured at last year’s U17 AFCON in Algeria,” SCORENigeria analysed.
“Intelligent, all-action midfielder, whose form will go a long way to determine how far this class of Golden Eaglets will soar in Ghana and beyond. He scores and creates goals.”
He has been compared to the likes of Mikel Obi, Rabiu Ibrahim and Wilson Oruma, who were the heartbeat of their respective Golden Eaglets teams on their way to making their mark with the Super Eagles.
Today, the Golden Eaglets Class of 2024 look set to reach the semifinals of the WAFU B qualifiers and the enterprise of ‘Dada’ will be crucial as they begin to make the most of their chances.
The Nigerian youngsters have only managed a goal in two games and will be expected to start firing against Togo this afternoon to step up against either hosts Ghana or Cote d’Ivoire in the semifinal at the weekend.
Captain Cletus will be expected to lead by example by opening his goals account as the Golden Eaglets battle to retain their sub-regional championship despite poor preparations.
