SCORENigeria runs the rule on the 21 players who have made the final squad to this year’s U20 World Cup, which kicks off in Argentina on May 20.
Goalkeepers:
Chijioke Aniagboso
He has reclaimed No 1 spot in the Flying Eagles after his heroics at the recent U20 AFCON in Egypt. He lost his place to Nathaniel Nwosu at the WAFU B qualifiers last May in Niger Republic and had to wait till the decisive group game against hosts Egypt to return to top reckoning. It was a performance that earned him his first Super Eagles call-up for AFCON qualifiers against Guinea Bissau. He is composed even under intense pressure, good reflexes for a big man and has a good grip.
Nathaniel Nwosu
Giant Water FC of Abuja shot stopper. He was outstanding at the WAFU qualifiers for the U20 AFCON last year to make the Tournament XI. He lost his first-team place to Aniagboso after a string of indifferent performances right up to the AFCON opening day loss to Senegal.
Saheed Jimoh
A former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper. He remains the third choice goalkeeper and completes a trio that has been on this squad since the sub-regional qualifiers in May 2022.
Defenders:
Daniel Bemeyi
Captain reliable. He is solid, effective, no fanciful footwork, whether in central defence or as a right back. Enjoyed a decent AFCON.
Benjamin Frederick
This versatile player truly caught the eye with a reassured performances game after game at the AFCON in Egypt. He was one of handful of players who played every minute right up to the third-place match against Tunisia. He has certainly made remarkable progress since he was an alternate player at the WAFU qualifiers in Niger Republic.
Solomon Agbalaka
The central defender converted to great effect as left back. Match winner in the decisive group game against hosts Egypt at the AFCON. He has grown in confidence since that tournament, where he made the Dream XI to throw him into the limelight.
Augustine Njoku
Abia Warriors right back and only defender who has survived right up from the World Cup. He struggled at the AFCON and eventually lost his first-team place to Bemeyi by the semifinals. He will need to do a lot more if he were to reclaim his position.
Abel Ogwuche
The Sweden-based central defender is almost unbeatable in the air but still need to rid himself of indecision around his goal area. He took his chance with both hands when skipper Bemeyi was suspended at the AFCON and he has not looked back ever since.
Israel Domingo
The Family Worship FC of Abuja left back is the only addition to the defence from the AFCON. He is good going forward and decent doing his primary role.
Midfielders:
Samson Lawal
He is a hard working attacking midfielder, busy as a bee. On his day, he is unplayable. He was not at his best at the AFCON, but he has since regained top form. He also packs a good shot from distance as he showed with his goal against Mozambique in Egypt.
Daniel Daga
Star midfielder of the team, full of commitment and was badly missed at the AFCON after he suffered a serious knee injury in the first half of the opening group game against Senegal. The 16-year-old Dakkada defensive midfielder enjoys the confidence of his fellow teammates as well as coach Ladan Bosso. He has made a full recovery from that injury and he is now raring to go in Argentina.
Tochukwu Nadi
One of several players who have gate crashed into the Flying Eagles World Cup party. Defensive midfielder from Bulgarian club Botev Plodiv, who could also play in a more attacking role because he is very comfortable on the ball. He is an interesting addition to the squad.
Victor Eletu
The addition of the AC Milan U19 star will most certainly boost Nigeria’s chances at this World Cup. He is highly thought of by his Italian club. The left-footed midfielder, 18, has been influential in Italy with his assists in a more offensive role and played for the Milan first team in December. Could he the joker in the pack for coach Ladan Bosso in Argentina?
Joshua John
The Nasarawa United attacking midfielder has made the cut after he missed out on squad to the WAFU qualifiers last year. He loves to drive into the opposing area and he is full of energy.
Ibrahim Abdullahi
Athletic built attacking midfielder from Kano club Samba FC. He packs a good shot on his favoured left foot, but will need to do a lot more to get on the first team.
Forwards:
Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’
Right from the WAFU qualifiers, ‘Beji’ has proved to be the main star of this Flying Eagles. The winger was outstanding in Niger with three goals and was above average at the AFCON in Egypt, where he netted two goals. Without a doubt the proven goal scorer of this team.
Jude Sunday
Little, left-footed winger who loves to take on his markers. He showed his quality with two well-taken goals in the third-place match at the AFCON against Tunisia. He only needs to produce such form game after game. A genuine quality player who scores goals and also creates for others to score.
Salem Fago
Young Mavlon FC centre-forward, who started out like a house on fire in training camp but has struggled to sustain such form thereafter. He will now have to fight as well as score goals to be back to top reckoning.
Emmanuel Umeh
The powerfully-built Botev Plodiv striker will most likely lead the Flying Eagles strike force in Argentina even though his numbers back in Bulgaria have not been great – a goal in 19 appearances. He will enjoy some good service from an improved midfield and it will be left to him to be more clinical in front of goal.
Haliru Sarki
He disappointed at the AFCON despite some sparkling displays leading up to that tournament. He has fallen down the pecking order among the wingers in this team. He is the team’s fastest winger, can weigh in with his fair share of goals, but he only has little time to reclaim his place in the starting XI.
Kehinde Ibrahim
Petite and quick winger from 36 Lion of Lagos who loves to go direct at goal. He is certainly on the fringes of the main team.
Nigeria’s Final squad to 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Chijioke Aniagboso, Nathaniel Nwosu, Saheed Jimoh
Defenders: Daniel Bemeyi, Benjamin Fredrick, Solomon Agbalaka, Augustine Njoku, Abel Ogwuche, Israel Domingo
Midfielders: Samson Lawal, Daniel Daga, Tochukwu Nadi, Victor Eletu, Joshua John, Ibrahim Abdullahi Forwards: Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’, Jude Sunday, Lawal Salem Fago, Emmanuel Umeh, Haliru Sarki, Kehinde Ibrahim
