Dream Team Profiles

A lot is expected of the current team, with some even suggesting this team could go all the way like the class ’96 that paraded the likes of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Sunday Oliseh and Daniel Amokachi. The team led by former international defender Austin Eguavoen eliminated Equatorial Guinea, Liberia and Tanzania to reach the […]

A lot is expected of the current team, with some even suggesting this team could go all the way like the class ’96 that paraded the likes of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Sunday Oliseh and Daniel Amokachi.

The team led by former international defender Austin Eguavoen eliminated Equatorial Guinea, Liberia and Tanzania to reach the final qualifying tournament in Morocco.

Eguavoen, 46, has been part of the national team setup since 2003 when he handled the U17s and only recently was back in temporary charge of the full international side.

The U23s open their campaign in Morocco against the host nation Saturday evening in a group that also includes Senegal (vs Nov 30) and Algeria (vs Dec 3).

The outcome of their opening game will set the tone for the remainder of their quest to feature at London 2012.

It will be a weakened team in North Africa as several European clubs refused to release their players for the U23 competition because it is not listed on the international calendar.

Joel Obi (Inter Milan/Italy), Anthony Ujah (Mainz/Germany), Lukman Haruna (Dynamo Kiev/Ukraine), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Torino/Italy), Ahmed Musa (VVV Venlo/Netherlands), Ekigho Ehiosun (Samsunspor/Turkey) and Rabiu Ibrahim (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands) were all blocked by their clubs from featuring at the final qualifiers.

However, star player Nosa Igiebor from Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv has made it to Morocco along with the likes of Parma defensive midfielder Obiora Nwankwo, Terna Suswan of Vitoria Setubal of Portugal and Michael Babatunde, who is based in Ukraine.

Several other players from the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) like Gbolahan Salami, Ayo Saka, Markson Ojobo, Jude Aneke and Osas Okoro now have to step up to take their chance at this level.

The squad:

Goalkeepers:

Dele Ajiboye (unattached)

First-choice goalkeeper whose penalty-saving heroics ensured Nigeria won the 2007 FIFA U17 World Cup at the expense of Spain. He is experienced and agile, but he is also prone to injuries, meaning the squad need to have a good cover for him at any given time. His contract with a third-tier Spanish club has not been renewed.

Olufemi Thomas (Ocean Boys)

Decent shot stopper from NPL side Ocean Boys. He was in goal for the Nigeria U20 team in 2007. A good penalty stopper.

Theophilus Afelokhai (Kano Pillars)

Experienced goalkeeper whose displays made sure Kano Pillars reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League two years ago. His Achilles heel has been dealing with shots from distance and this weakness showed up in the return leg match against Ghana for a place at the recent All Africa Games.

Defenders:

Kingsley Udoh (Unattached)

The central defender was clearly one of the stars as Nigeria won the 2007 FIFA U17 World Cup. However, he has struggled to sustain such form ever since after failed attempts to play in Europe. He is currently without a club after he walked out on NPL side Heartland.

Markson Ojobo (Enyimba)

Smart defender who can play either at right back or in the heart of the defence. His five-star displays in the heart of the Enyimba back four during this year’s CAF Champions League have been rewarded with a place on the Olympic squad.

Emmanuel Anyanwu (Enyimba)

Big, powerfully-built youth international who was played at right back in the Flying Eagles at both the African Youth Championship and the U20 World Cup in Colombia. He is unbeatable in the air.

Edet Ibok (Atletico Baleres/Spain)

Big central defender who uses his size to great effect. Ever full of energy.

Terna Suswan (Vitoria Setubal/Portugal)

Right back from the U20s who may now be played at left back following the absence of Shooting Stars ace Chima Akas. Skilful and loves to join the attack.

Usman Amadu (Unattached)

Left back who was brought back to the squad in the absence of Akas.

Featured for the Nigeria ‘B’ team at a recent sub-regional WAFU Nations Cup. Since being part of the U17 Class of 2007, he has been shopping for an overseas club and even posted a stint at Sudanese club Al Hilal.

Midfielders:

Raheem Lawal (Atletico Baleres/Spain)

Defensive midfielder who played at right back at the U20 World Cup in Egypt.

Ayo Saka (Ocean Boys)

Experienced central midfielder who has been on the fringes of the full international team.

Obiora Nwankwo (Parma/Italy)

Defensive midfielder who came to prominence during the 2009 FIFA U20 World Cup with his coolness on the ball. He was rewarded with a transfer to mighty Italian side Inter Milan and he is at the moment on loan to Parma. He is the team skipper in the absence of Lukman Haruna.

Nosa Igiebor (Hapoel Tel Aviv/Israel)

The star of the team, who scored six goals in the qualifiers of the Olympics and All Africa Games. He is essentially an attacking midfielder but he enjoys a free role in this Olympic team. He has insisted on being at this tournament despite the reluctance of his club coach to let him go.

Forwards:

Michael Babatunde (Kryvbas/Ukraine)

Left winger who has yet to make his debut for the team. He is highly rated after getting off to a great start in his season in Europe. A great dribbler in the mould of the great Lionel Messi.

Olanrewaju Kayode (Asec/Cote d’Ivoire)

A striker full of energy who scored three goals at the U20 World Cup in Colombia. His speed often gets him into good scoring positions, but he needs to work a lot more on his composure if he is to score more goals.

Stephen Worgu (Al Merriekh/Sudan)

Hit the limelight at Enyimba, where he netted 13 goals in the 2008 CAF Champions League. He is back at Sudanese side Al Merriekh after a loan spell in Libya. He is a little forward who knows his way to goal.

Gbolahan Salami (3SC)

One of the stars of the past league season. His transfer to top South African club Mamelodi Sundowns fell through at the last minute. But for his short temper, this forward would have taken his game abroad a long time ago.

Osas Okoro (Heartland)

He could play either as a right winger or striker. He is skilful, hard working forward who has to make the most of this chance to move overseas after several failed attempts.

Jude Aneke (Kaduna United)

All-time Goal King of the NPL after he fired 20 goals this past season. He is powerful, has a good shot and he is good aerially.

Daniel Uchechi (Sheffield Wednesday/England)

Enterprising forward who posted a nightmarish outing at the U20 World Cup in Egypt two years ago. He was thought highly of at English club Charlton Athletic but he has yet to make his mark in England.

Odah Onoriode (Fame FC)

Little known attacking midfielder or striker who is expected to take his chance once he is picked in the first team.