Author: Aishat Akanni
Looking beyond the result, Chelle stressed that the main goal of the tournament is to nurture young talent for the future of Nigerian football.
Chukwueze has been linked with a move away from Milan in the summer transfer window, as he seeks more regular playing time elsewhere.
Despite the criticism, Nwabali has posted respectable numbers this season, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding 25 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions.
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals after a 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final group game a match that also marked the team’s 100th appearance in U-20 AFCON history.
Osimhen has quickly become a fan favourite and a key figure in Galatasaray’s title charge.
Okpara emphasized that the goal should not be to identify just one standout but to find several domestic players capable of challenging their foreign-based counterparts for starting positions.
Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi says he’s not losing sleep over the growing competition in Nigeria’s attack, as he downplays comparisons with Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Aina has been a key figure for Nottingham Forest, making 32 appearances, scoring twice, and providing one assist
Zubairu emphasized the importance of resetting mentally ahead of the knockout stage.
Goals from striker Kparobo Arierhi and captain Daniel Bameyi ensured the Nigerians picked up the crucial point needed to seal qualification.
