Golden Eaglets 'Little Messi' Wins CAF's First Man Of The Match Award At U17 AFCON

Published: April 14, 2019

Sidos FC super kid Akinkunmi Amoo has been recognized for his outstanding performance in the Golden Eaglets 5-4 win over Tanzania in the opening match of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday afternoon, with the Confederation of African Football officially naming him as the Man of the Match, allnigeriasoccer.com understands.

Nicknamed 'Little Messi' by his teammates, Amoo took the accolade ahead of Giant Brillers FC striker Wisdom Ubani, who scored either side of half-time, and Tanzania U17s golden boy Kevin John 'Mbappe'.

The 2002-born Amoo had a hand in all the three goals scored by the five-time world champions in the first half.

Olatomi Alfred Olaniyan pounced on a rebounded shot from the number 13 to open the scoring in the 21st minute and Wisdom Ubani benefited from his assist when he restored the lead on the half-hour mark.

Eight minutes before half-time, the lively Amoo showed off his silky skills, beat the goalkeeper and tapped the ball into an empty net.

He was replaced by Divine Nwachukwu in second-half injury time with the outcome of the game all but decided.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel