Nigeria's U-20 football team, the Flying Eagles, are gearing up to face Uganda in the quarterfinals of the AFCON U-20 Championship.
With their sights set on advancing to the semifinals and securing a World Cup ticket, the team will look, in particular, to these three talented starlets to inspire them to victory.
Let's look at each player and what they bring to the table.
Solomon Agabalaka – The unsmiling left-back
Agbalaka is a serious and unsmiling left-back from Broad City FC in Lagos. While he may not be the most vocal player on the field, his actions speak louder than words.
The 19-year-old's main strength is his defending, which he takes very seriously. He is often the fullback who stays back in defence, preventing opponents from making it past him.
However, he is not just a one-trick pony – Agabalaka can also play in central defence if needed.
At Egypt 2023, Agabalaka has been Nigeria's standout player. He scored the winning goal against Egypt and provided an assist in the 2-0 win over Mozambique, earning himself the man-of-the-match award.
Agbalaka is the only Nigerian player to make CAF's best eleven of the Group Stage, and the Flying Eagles will be counting on him against the dangerous Ugandans.
Daniel Daga – The dynamic defensive midfielder
Daga first caught the attention of football fans as a 15-year-old at the qualifiers in Niger, where he scooped two man-of-the-match awards.
Since then, he has continued to impress with his performances on the field. Daga is a modern-day ball winner who loves to join the attack. He is armed with a powerful shot and is not afraid to take it when the opportunity arises.
As a defensive midfielder, Daga's main job is to disrupt the opposition's attack and win back possession for his team. However, he is not content to just stay in one position – he is constantly on the move, looking for ways to create chances for his team.
The Flying Eagles will look to him to help control the midfield and provide a solid defensive base.
Ibrahim Mohammed – The goal-scoring winger
Mohammed, also known as ‘Ibeji,' was the top scorer in the qualifying tournament with four goals.
However, he could not reproduce that form in the friendlies leading up to the tournament proper.
Ibeji is a versatile player who can also play as a top striker. He has a keen eye for goals and is always looking for ways to get behind the opposition's defence.
The young forward smashed in a stunning strike against Mozambique, and the Flying Eagles will hope he can find his scoring touch again against Uganda and help them secure a place in the semifinals.
In conclusion, Nigeria's U-20 national team has a strong squad, but these three players – Solomon Agabalaka, Daniel Daga, and Ibrahim Mohammed – will be key to their success against Uganda.
With their skills and determination, they have the potential to inspire the Flying Eagles to victory and take them one step closer to the championship title.
This Ugandan side gave Nigerians a run for your money