By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Flying Eagles stars Alfred Odinaka and Abdulmuiz Adeleke have been selected in the Best XI of the group stage at the ongoing WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, Prompt News Online reports.
The tournament’s Technical Study Group (TSG) announced the selection after the conclusion of the group stage on Sunday, recognising the competition’s standout performers.
Defender Odinaka earned his place in the back four after a string of commanding displays for the defending champions, playing a key role in Nigeria’s progression to the knockout stage.
Forward Adeleke was also rewarded for his outstanding form in front of goal. The prolific striker has scored four goals in just two appearances, making him one of the tournament’s leading scorers.
The youngster netted twice in Nigeria’s entertaining 4-2 victory over Ghana’s Black Satellites before bagging another brace in the 3-0 triumph over Togo’s Sparrow Hawks, underlining his importance to the Flying Eagles’ campaign.
Burkina Faso and hosts Côte d’Ivoire lead the Team of the Group Stage with three players each, while Nigeria have two representatives. Niger, Ghana and Togo each contributed one player to the select side.
The Flying Eagles finished second in Group B after a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final group game but still secured a place in the semi-finals.
Abdu Maikaba’s side will now face hosts Côte d’Ivoire in a mouth-watering semi-final clash on Wednesday, with a place in the final and qualification for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations at stake.
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