FIVE Nigerians Who Have Impressed So Far In The 2015 U-23 AFCON

Nigeria’s dream team has qualified for the 2016 Olympics in via via a top two finish at the ongoing U-23 AFCON. Who has been a shinning light in the on-going tournament?

In a tournament where nobody has really stood out with individual quality for Nigeria, it would seem a task too far who pick out the best players in the tournament.

While the defense has been abysmal, even against Senegal when they did not concede, the midfield and attack has been unspectaculat but with some bit of fortune Nigeria are into the finals

So who are the men making Nigerians dream of a continental title?

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 1. Emmanuel Daniel (goalkeeper): The dream team goalie has been a rock at the back. While he has conceded four goals in four games, he is yet to concede in his last two outing.

Has looked solid and is yet to make any errors leading to goals. He also saved a penalty against Senegal. Future Super Eagles goalie?

2. Oghenetaro Etebo: Earlier in the day, Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to reject the nickname ‘penaldo’ for scoring so many penalties to add to his goal tally, Etebo might find that hard. The striker has three penalties in as many attempts. Scored two against Egypt and one against Senegal in the semi-final.

Penalties aside, Etebo has been tenacious and industrious. It is hard to point to his position in the pitch but he is most frequently seen behind the main striker; Junior Ajayi. Something about him reminds everyone about a certain Daniel Amokachi.

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3. Junior Ajayi: Despite having just one goal to his name, Junior Ajayi has been a good choice for the starting striker role. He link up play is good and he is not afraid to go into all sorts of tackles, aerial, ground or whatever.

A few more goals will definitely boost his confidence. He has even kept out the likes of Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi on the bench.

4.  Godspower Aniefiok: Not a definate starter but his appearance off the bench have been inspiring. His never say die attitude forced the penalty against Senegal in the semi-final.

He played in the place of the suspended captain Azubuike Okechukwu and was very inspiration as he started on the right of the midfield. Though his defensive contributions were not top-notch (he allowed Seth Sincere to be skinned regularly), he was very engaging.

5. Azubuike Okechukwu (Captain): He has been influential in midfield. Though he missed the game against Senegal through injury, his three appearances have been full of energy.

His possible reintroduction for the final will come as good news for coach Samson Siasia.

Honorable mentions: Usman Mohammed, Seth Sincere, Segun Oduduwa.

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