JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Nigeria successfully defended the title of the Unity Cup friendly tournament with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final played on Saturday in London.
Coach Eric Chelle was without his regulars and used the tournament to give fringe and new players a chance to make a good impression, which will subsequently give them more opportunities.
In goal, Arthur Okonkwo earned the coach’s trust with his way of controlling the defense and also performed in both games, in which he kept two consecutive clean sheets.
Enugu Rangers’ Kenneth Igboke was by far the only Nigerian Premier Football League player to be brought into the team’s frame. Chelle was impressed with the way he controlled games from the left-back position and was involved in setting up two of the five goals scored in the tournament.
Tochukwu Nnadi really showed that he can be a reliable substitute for Alex Iwobi or Wilfred Ndidi with the way he broke up play and also initiated attacks. Chelle now has him booked for more games.
Alhassan Yusuf of the MLS New England Revolution can easily go down as player of the tournament, and Chelle has already told him that he will certainly be a full member of the team.
Millwall winger Femi Azeez bagged a brace in the 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the semi-final and capped it with an assist in the 3-0 win against Jamaica in the final. He was included in the squad for the matches against Poland and Portugal respectively, but his club Millwall blocked the invitation.
He must also make a decision about his future at the club after they failed to gain promotion to the English Premier League. He is of interest to a host of English top flight teams, with newly promoted Ipswich Town failing with a £20m bid.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
Advertisement
