Manu Garba Golden Eaglet’s have been dealt a huge blow just before the start of the FIFA U17 World Cup, after midfielder Olaniyan Alfred was confirmed unfit for final stage of preparation due to a knee injury picked up recently.
Brila.net can reports that The 17 year old Olaniyan Alfred seen by many as one of the most intelligent players in the present Nigeria U17 squad due to his visionary and game reading abilities picked up the injury during the last stages of preparation in Abuja, ahead of the juvenile showpiece coming up in Brazil; as confirmed by the technical crew of the team which have decided to leave out the youngster, so as not to rush or aggravate the situation.
Olaniyan otherwise known as ‘Aguero’ was key to Golden Eaglet’s triumph at the ‘WAFU B Zone Tournament’ which his team won in Niger Republic in October 2018, contributing 2 goals and 3 assist, which earned Nigeria qualification for the CAF U17 AFCON in Tanzania.
The little midfield magician also had eye-catching performance during Golden Eaglet’s pre – tournament preparation at the UEFA Assist Tournament earlier this year, in Turkey, with 1 goal and 2 assist.
At the U17 AFCON, Olaniyan was able to record 1 goal and 2 assist as Nigeria struggled but eventually finished fourth, thus, earning qualification for the upcoming showpiece in Brazil.
Always at the heart of everything good whenever Golden Eaglet’s go forward, opening up defenses with ease and with great usage of the ball, injury has prevented the world from seeing what a player Olaniyan Alfred is at the U17 world cup. However, the Golden Eaglet’s are expected to cope without him as Nigeria bids for a Sixth FIFA U17 world cup title.
Golden Eaglet’s players and some officials departed Abuja on Wednesday, 9th October for Sao Paulo, Brazil to settle down just before the start of the world cup billed for 26th October 2019.
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