Enyimba's Okani leads F/Eagles vs Ghana
Okani with goalkeeper trainer Shuaibu in Cape Town
Gero eyes top prizes in SA
Enyimba goalkeeper Samuel Okani will lead Nigeria U20s in
Friday’s opening game against Ghana in the Cape Town International Challenge.
However, Flying Eagles coach John Obuh has insisted the appointment is temporary and could even change by the next game against Argentina because he is still rebuilding the African champions.
“It’s a new team we are building after many of the players from last year’s team moved up,” said Obuh.
Kano Pillars promising midfielder Shehu Abdullahi has been acting as team skipper during the team’s month-long training camp in Abuja.
Abdullahi will be part of a formidable starting midfield that also has Enyimba pair of Nzube Anaezemba and Uche Agbo as well as the bulky Kwara United work horse Ugonna Ezenwaka.
The strike is spearheaded by Enugu Rangers centre-forward Alhaji Gero alongside Wikki Tourist lively forward Aminu Umar.
Obuh has stuck to his favoured 4-4-2 formation meaning the defence will parade full backs Patrick Kingsley (Sharks), Ikechukwu Okorie (Kaduna United) with Tolulope Aluko (FRSC Abuja) and Izuegbu Abonima (Sharks) in the heart of the back four.
On Thursday night, the team watched a video of the Flying Eagles class of 2011 against England in the Round of 16 match at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia.
Friday’s opener kicks off 8.30 pm local time (7.30 Nigerian time) at the Athlone Stadium.
FLYING EAGLES STARTING XI VS GHANA
Samuel Okani – Patrick Kingsley, Ikechukwu Okorie, Tolulope Aluko, Izuegbu Abonima – Shehu Abdullahi, Uche Agbo, Nzube Anaezemba, Ugonna Ezenwaka – Alhaji Gero, Aminu Umar
SUBS: Simon Innocent, Lucky Omeruo, Frederick Obomate, Chizoba Amaefule, Williams Abobo, Brown Braiye, Sikiru Alimi
COACH: John Sam Obuh
However, Flying Eagles coach John Obuh has insisted the appointment is temporary and could even change by the next game against Argentina because he is still rebuilding the African champions.
“It’s a new team we are building after many of the players from last year’s team moved up,” said Obuh.
Kano Pillars promising midfielder Shehu Abdullahi has been acting as team skipper during the team’s month-long training camp in Abuja.
Abdullahi will be part of a formidable starting midfield that also has Enyimba pair of Nzube Anaezemba and Uche Agbo as well as the bulky Kwara United work horse Ugonna Ezenwaka.
The strike is spearheaded by Enugu Rangers centre-forward Alhaji Gero alongside Wikki Tourist lively forward Aminu Umar.
Obuh has stuck to his favoured 4-4-2 formation meaning the defence will parade full backs Patrick Kingsley (Sharks), Ikechukwu Okorie (Kaduna United) with Tolulope Aluko (FRSC Abuja) and Izuegbu Abonima (Sharks) in the heart of the back four.
On Thursday night, the team watched a video of the Flying Eagles class of 2011 against England in the Round of 16 match at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia.
Friday’s opener kicks off 8.30 pm local time (7.30 Nigerian time) at the Athlone Stadium.
FLYING EAGLES STARTING XI VS GHANA
Samuel Okani – Patrick Kingsley, Ikechukwu Okorie, Tolulope Aluko, Izuegbu Abonima – Shehu Abdullahi, Uche Agbo, Nzube Anaezemba, Ugonna Ezenwaka – Alhaji Gero, Aminu Umar
SUBS: Simon Innocent, Lucky Omeruo, Frederick Obomate, Chizoba Amaefule, Williams Abobo, Brown Braiye, Sikiru Alimi
COACH: John Sam Obuh
{message}