Portuguese-Based Defender Once Rated Higher Than Awaziem Training With Nigeria U23s

Published: March 07, 2019

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Portuguese-based defender Kelechi John has received a call-up to Nigeria's U23 national team ahead of the forthcoming games against Libya.

The Rio Ave starlet has started training with the Dream Team VII after arriving at their get-together in Abuja on Wednesday.

Kelechi cut his footballing teeth at Junior Elkanemi Academy Jos, the grassroots club that produced Porto's Chidozie Awaziem and it is worth mentioning that he was rated higher than the five-cap Nigeria international during their time with the club.

Awaziem operated as a central midfielder at Junior Elkanemi Academy while Kelechi played in all the defensive positions.

He was a goalscoring central defender prior to his move to Portugal, scoring seven goals for Plateau United in all competitions in his final season with the Nigeria Professional Football League side.

In 2016, Kelechi was called up to train with the NPFL All Stars before their trip to Spain for the LXII Ramón de Carranza Trophy.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel