The Five English-Based Players Who Can Beef Up Flying Eagles Squad Ahead Of U20 World Cup

Published: February 17, 2019

The Nigeria U20s achieved their aim of qualifying for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup after finishing a disappointing fourth at the U20 AFCON which concludes on Sunday.

Everything indicates that there are still places up for grabs in Paul Aigbogun's squad.

Allnigeriasoccer.com has compiled a list of five English-based players who can beef up the squad ahead of this summer's tournament and the sweetener is that they all want to represent Nigeria.

1) Jayden Bennetts (Watford) : The Flying Eagles lacked creativity in midfield during the tournament in Niger. Nicknamed the new Eden Hazard, Bennetts has been the key to the Hornets progress in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

Given that the Flying Eagles will come up against European or South American opposition in Poland, Bennetts inclusion will come in handy. Trained with the national team prior to their trip to Niger.

2) Korede Adedoyin ( Everton) : Labelled the new Wilfried Zaha, Adedoyin, who was born in Nigeria, has pledged his international future to the Flying Eagles ahead of the Young Lions.

He offers a real threat in the opposition box and is capable of playing as a winger, attacking midfielder, second striker and center forward. The highly-rated youngster has found the net 11 times for Everton U18s in the current season.

3) Ali Koiki (Burnley on loan to Swindon Town) : Koiki is regarded as Nigeria's top teenage defender in the whole of England and can easily walk into the first team of most U20 sides.

Aged 19, he has started three of the last four matches contested by Swindon Town since sealing a loan move to the club in the January transfer window.

A left back by trade, Koiki has pace to burn, has put in strong showings offensively and defensively, and is a good crosser of the ball.

4) Joseph Olowu (Arsenal) : The Ibadan-born defender has a chance to be the next player of Nigerian descent to debut for Arsenal's first team, having trained with the squad as a 17-year-old.

Olowu has hinted that he will not turn down a call-up to the Flying Eagles, saying he's aware there's a lot of attention being given to him by Nigerian football websites.

The 19-year-old can play in multiple positions including right-back, central defense and defensive midfield. He models his game after Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos.

5) Nnamdi Ofoborh ( Bournemouth) : Still a teenager, Nnamdi has consistently trained with the first team of the Cherries this season and is on the cusp of making his professional debut.

He is known for his stamina and most at home playing as a central midfielder. He debuted for the Flying Eagles in a friendly against Egypt in March 2018.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com