U17 AFCON Nigeria v Burkina Faso: Three Golden Eaglets players to watch out for

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria will be facing Burkina Faso in one of the quarterfinals of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations being staged in Algeria.

Nigeria finished as the first runner-up in their group having garnered 6 points from three games, scoring 4 goals and conceding 3.

Nduka Ugbade's boys must beat their opponent to progress to the semifinals and qualify for the Fifa U17 World Cup that will be staged later in the year.

Here are three Golden Eaglets to watch out for in the encounter.

1. Yahya Lawali: The outstanding right-back has been Nigeria's best player in the competition winning two consecutive man-of-the-match awards in the group stage.

Lawali's attacking dexterity on the right-hand side has been instrumental for the Golden Eaglets when building the attack and he will have to be at his best for Nigeria to progress to the next round.

2. Charles Aguda: Aguda made his first start for the Golden Eaglets against the Amajimbos of South Africa and he showed he merited a place in the starting XI.

He was difficult to handle for the South Africans with his pace, trickery and strength and Nduka Ugbade will be hoping he replicates the same against the Young Etalons. 

3. Hope Linus: The lanky defensive midfielder has been very important to the Golden Eaglets set up in the middle of the park.

Linus' good reading of the game has allowed Nigeria to press high up the pitch, shielding the defence whenever the opponent launches a counter-attack.

He has not been faultless but has been effective with his duties and will have to be at his best for Nigeria to get the better of Burkina Faso.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com