Three key Nigerians to watch at U20 Africa Cup of Nations

Ahead of the Flying Eagles’ opening match in this year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations at the Cairo International Stadium against Senegal’s young Teranga Lions on Sunday, we take a look at three players to watch out for in Egypt.

Nigeria head into this competition as the most successful nation, having been crowned champions seven times with the first in 1983 and the most recent in 2015.

In the defense is Broadcity’s prolific defender, Solomon Agbalaka. Liken to John Terry with a scoring attribute of Sergio Ramos, Agbalaka is a dominant name in The Creative Championship league known for his visionary passing and ability to read his opponent. He is a good free-kick taker, great in an aerial duel, and has more headed goals in the League than most strikers.

Coming to the midfield is 16-year-old Daniel Daga. The tireless defensive midfielder who plays in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) for Dakkada, has a knack for long-range goals.

Pacy left-footed winger Ibrahim Beji Muhammad significantly influenced the Flying Eagles’ qualification for the U-20 AFCON. The 19-year-old who plays for Cartegena FC in Spain’s second division, was critical to Ladan Bosso’s side’s victory in the WAFU B championship, as he scored important goals against Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Benin Republic.

Ladan Bosso’s side will take on Senegal in their opening game in the competition on Sunday, February 19. Hosts Egypt and Mozambique are the other teams in the group.

The top two teams of each group advance to the quarter-finals along with the two best third-placed teams.

All four semi-finalists will pick the four tickets to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia commences on Saturday 20th May to Sunday 11th June 2023.