Amuneke Names Squad For FIFA U-17 World Cup

Golden Eaglets’ Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has selected the 21 players, who will represent the country at the 16th FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted by Chile from October 17 and November 8.

The Eaglets, who were 2-1 victors in the friendly encounter with Argentina Thursday, rounded off their training tour on a strong note.

With the string of victories recorded in their tune-up matches, the Eaglets look set to successfully defend the trophy won in the United Arab Emirate (UAE), in 2013.

Though, the Eaglets have not recorded any success outside Asia, Amuneke was confident the players would make the nation proud in Chile.

Speaking to thenff.com, the Eaglets sweat merchant described his team as filled with promising stars, who are ready to go.

“The U-17 World Cup is here again and we have picked the best players for this assignment to represent our country,” said the 1994 African Footballer of the Year. “We have brought in new players to add value to the team that secured the ticket for Chile at the last African U-17 Nations Cup in Niger Republic and we believe this crop of players
would give their best in Chile, as we are the defending champions.”

Team captain, Kelechi Nwakali, as well as strikers Victor Osimhen and Ebere Osinachi, who were in the team that secured the country’s ticket at the African championship in Niger, in February, made the final list for the competition Nigeria won in 1985, 1993, 2007 and 2013.

Also picked from the squad that came fourth in Niger 2015 were seven other players including, goalkeepers Akpan Udoh and Amos Benjamin, defenders Halilu Lukman and Lazarus John, midfielder Kingsley Michael and strikers Orji Okonkwo and Samuel Chukwueze.

Midfielder Chinedu Madueke and Sunday Alimi as well as goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha who failed to make the Niger 2015 squad were also picked for Chile 2015.

New faces in the team are defenders David Enogela, Ibe Tobechukwu and Ejike Ikwu. Funsho Bamgboye, Chukwudi Agor, Joel Osikel, Edidiong Essien and Udochukwu Anumudu complete the list.