By: Gracious Akujobi
Nigeria’s U-17 Team Head Coach, Manu Garba has listed 21 players to fly Nigeria’s flag at the 15th FIFA U-17 World Cup finals taking place in the United Arab Emirates between 17th October and 8th November, 2013.
Captain Mohammed Musa, striker Isaac Success and midfield linchpin Idowu Akinjide lead the pack of the youngsters who will be aiming to make Nigeria the first country to lift the trophy for a fourth time.
Earlier success in 1985, 1993 and 2007, and runner-up position in 1987, 2001 and 2009 pinpoint the Golden Eaglets as one of the teams to watch at this year’s fiesta in the Emirates.
Manu Garba also picked Bello Zaraddeen, Japhet Raymond, Musa Yahaya, Chidera Ezeh, Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alfa Abdullahi, Chigozie Obasi, Abubakar Abdulazeez, Baba Salihu, Godwin Saviour,
Habeeb Makanjuola, Okon Denis, Uzoha Odinaka, Chidiebere Nwakali, Abubakar Aliu, Godwin Samuel and Sunday Alampasu.
Nigeria play reigning world champions Mexico, Sweden and Iraq in Group F of the tournament, with the Eaglets’ first game against the Mexicans coming up in Al Ain City on 19th October.
THE FULL LIST
Sunday Alampasu, Bello Zaraddeen, Japhet Raymond, Musa Yahaya, Chidera
Ezeh, Isaac Success, Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alfa Abdullahi,
Chigozie Obasi, Abubakar Abdulazeez, Baba Salihu, Godwin Saviour,
Habeeb Makanjuola, Okon Denis, Uzoha Odinaka, Mohammed Musa,
Chidiebere Nwakali, Abubakar Aliu, Idowu Akinjide, Godwin Samuel
