Orji Okonkwo Eyes Starting Spot Vs Mali

Orji Okonkwo is hoping he will be selected in the starting XI when the Golden Eaglets clash with African champions Mali in the final of the Fifa Under 17 World Cup on Sunday night.

The attacking midfielder justified his inclusion in the starting line up against Mexico, having netted a screamer that put the Nigeria U17s in front just before half time.

Prior to that contest at the Estadio Municipal de Concepción onThursday, Okonkwo had managed approximately 25 minutes of game time after appearing in games against USA, Australia and Brazil as a substitute.

“Of course! But it is the coach’s decision. When I wasn’t playing then it was his decision, it was right I wasn’t playing.

“I think I have done enough to start in the final though, ” Orji Okonkwo told fifa.com.

The 17 - year - old is officially on the books of Football College, Abuja.