Nigeria U17 Coaches Backpedal On Bournemouth GK, Eye Crystal Palace AM Dubbed The New Okocha

Published: August 21, 2018

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Golden Eaglets coach Manu Garba and his assistants have backpedaled on their decision to axe Bournemouth youth-team goalkeeper, Joseph, from the squad ahead of the 2019 Africa U17 Cup of Nations zonal qualifiers.

The Cherries netminder was among the players to be dropped but has been literally saved from the chop as his name is confirmed to be included on Nigeria's 25-man provisional roster that has been sent to Confederation of African Football for the upcoming tournament in Republic of the Niger.

The Golden Eaglets coaches emphasized last week that Joseph has technical qualities but on the flip side, the stopper was lacking in physicality.

It should be noted that it is for this same reason that Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria was axed from the Golden Eaglets team that participated in the 2013 U17 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Jesse Nwabueze, who has been likened to former Super Eagles star Austin Jay Jay Okocha, is on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation.

The Golden Eaglets coaches are studying his videos, with a view to inviting him for trials after the 2019 Africa U17 Cup of Nations zonal qualifiers.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel