Nigeria U20 MNT will march out this Wednesday against Italy, on the back of their win in the opening group D game vs Dominican Republic U20.
The performance wasn’t breathtaking, but it could be improved upon and should be against a tough adversary like Italy’s Azzurrini.
While the squad comprises, mostly, academy Players and thus are pushing beyond their limits, there are those whose profiles from previous games – including against Dominican Republic – who could potentially go on to make a big statement against Italy.
Here we take a look at our top three players so far.
Samson Lawal
Samson Lawal of Nigeria (R) is chased by Israel Boatwright of Dominican Republic (L). (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
The 19-year-old’s positioning was vital in the Nigeria’s win over the Dominican Republic.
Lawal got the winning goal, but it would not have been possible if he had not been in the right place, at the right time – counter-pressing!
The Katsina United youngster emerged as the best midfielder in an all-round display on the night, and it would come as no surprise as he was rated 8/10 for what was a good day in the office for him and the team.
Daniel Daga
Daniel Daga and Anyelo Gomez of Dominican Republic battle for the ball during the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Group D match. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The young Dakkada FC midfielder, according to ratings, came in second behind Samson Lawal with his work rate on and off the ball for the Flying Eagles.
He came close to getting his name on the score sheet, but would be pleased with his output on the night.
Daga has a good passing range and would be looking to influence the game against Italy.
His creativity will be essential, alongside Samson Lawal, in trying to break the low-block system of the Italians, and also shielding the side from their highly-efficient counter-attacking play as exhibited against Brazil.
Jude Sunday
Jude Sunday. (Photo by Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Although he has a lot of refining to do, his pace, power and ability to find space and manipulate his way through tight spaces would really be needed against Italy.
Sunday does need to make better decisions, his hero complex has seen him do less than capable in th final third.
The 18-year-old Real Sapphire winger, is a joy to watch, yet frustrating to see his decision making, and this is because he tends to keep the ball too much and would rather go for goals than play teammates on to get goals.
With a rating of 7/10, he would be looking to better his performance from the match against the Dominican Republic and should be potent in creating a good number of opportunities for his teammates to score.
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