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Success at any level is always welcome. However, winning an age group tournament brings added pressure on the victors to make it to the very top of the game. While some players thrive under this kind of pressure, others crumble, and never reach the level promised by their potential. In the first two parts of this series, we looked at the progress of the goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders in the team. And just like most goals scored in football, we finish with the strikers.
The striker has been heralded by some as a potential successor to Rashidi Yekini. While such comparisons are premature, they are not completely unfounded. The legendary striker Yekini possessed physical power combined with great pace and cool finishing, and Awoniyi shares the same attributes. Although he is still quite raw, most observers agree that he has the ingredients to make a name for himself as a top striker in future. Officially, he is currently signed to Allsvenskan side Kalmar FF, but his transfer from Imperial Academy to the Swedish side is currently under dispute. Hopefully, all issues surrounding his contractual status will be resolved as soon as possible.
CHIDERA EZEH
The 17 year old forward has been a part of the Nigerian national youth team from U13 level, up to U20 level, where he is currently preparing for the U20 World Cup. A product of River Lane Academy in Enugu, he was courted by Racing Genk, Olympiakos, Red Bull Salzburg, Grasshoppers and AS Roma before he settled for FC Porto. Fans at the Estádio do Dragão will be hoping to see his full range of talents unleashed in future when he signs his first professional contract with the Portuguese team.
The Granada CF of Spain forward can be said to have the most top-level experience when compared to his teammates, as he has played 19 games for the Andalusian side as at time of writing. He also holds the record of being the youngest player to appear in La Liga for his team, which he achieved with a start against Elche CF on 31 August 2014. The product of BJ foundation academy made headlines in November 2013 when he signed for Italian Serie A side Udinese, and following his transfer to sister club Granada, has established himself in the first team there.
Arguably the most exciting Nigerian youngster to appear in a long time, the left footed 18 year old is clearly gifted. Iheanacho sparkled at the tournament in the United Arab Emirates, scoring six goals and making seven as Golden Eaglets stormed to a record fourth World Cup. A good dribbler and finisher, his technical ability also makes him a wonderful passer of the ball, and these attributes won him the Golden Ball award as the best player in the UAE tournament. Currently signed to 2013/2014 EPL champions Manchester City FC, who reportedly beat off competition from a host of top European sides to clinch his signature, Kelechi was decribed by Manuel Pellegrini as “a very important player for us in the future” after scoring in a pre-season friendly against Sporting Kansas City back in July 2014. Unfortunately, he has endured a frustrating season due to work permit issues and injuries. He has however recovered completely, and after scoring in the FA Youth Cup final against Chelsea in April, was called up for the U20 World Cup in New Zealand, where he will be looking to make a major impact. With Kelechi, one thing is clear; if he realises his potential, Nigeria and Manchester City will have a very special player on their hands.
by Ope Akapo
