WAFU B U20 Cup: Club Owners hail NNL players’ impact in Flying Eagles success 

By Wale Mustapha

The Association of Club Managers and Directors in the Nigeria National League, (NNL) has commended the significant contributions of the players in the national U20 men’s team for their successful outing in the recent WAFU B U20 Championship. 

The association called Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) had three of their players in the Flying Eagles’ team who performed creditably for the team to retain the title. 

Nigeria successfully defended her title on Wednesday night after a 2-1 defeat of regional rivals, Ghana in this year’s final in Lome, Togo.

Three of the players in Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s squad were players picked from three NNL sides, and were pivotal in the team’s success in winning the WAFU B Championship, which equally qualifies them for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations. 

Goalkeeper Harcourt Ifeanyi plays for Sporting Lagos, Haruna Aliyu is Doma United player, while Kparabo Arierhi plays for Beyond Limits of Ikenne, Ogun State.

Haruna Aliyu, a defender played all three games; Harcourt Ifeanyi also played three games, while Kparabo Arierhi scored four goals, with his brace in the final against Ghana helping the Flying Eagles to victory.

While praising the impact of the NNL, adjudged as ‘the Most Important League’ in the age-grade competition, the President of NALCOMA, Godwin Enakhena commended the players for their resilience, commitment and dedication towards a general cause.

He equally commended and congratulated the NNL Board, led by Mr George Aluo for doing a great job, and keeping the flag flying.

Enakhena added that NNL clubs will continue to contribute to the genuine development of the round leather game,  especially at the grassroots level, by giving younger players the opportunity to showcase their talents in age-grade competitions.

Nigeria and Ghana will represent WAFU B at next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, to be hosted by South Africa.