Goalkeeper Akpan Udoh may have done enough in training to earn his second international match for the Golden Eaglets against Congo Democratic Republic on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Udoh, a member of the Ogun State First Lady-sponsored Uplift Team to Udinese in 2013, is a Senior Secondary School 2 student of Akesan Community Grammar School in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
He kept a clean slate with sublime saves against the Les Leopards last weekend and has been so very impressive in training ahead of the second leg, which gives him an edge over Amos Benjamin and Ebuka Nwokoecha, who clocked 16 on August 2.
“Akpan is fit and ready for Congo,” noted goalkeepers’ trainer, Emeka Amadi, whose daughter also clocked 17 on Saturday.
“I think the arrival of Amos (who was not part of the trip to Kinshasa) really brought out
the best in Akpan and Ebuka.”
Indeed, the Golden Eaglets’ line on Sunday up might not be different from the first leg as Coach Emmanuel Amuneke would most likely keep his winning team.
Captain Kelechi Nwakali would lead the team out.
The back line may include Usman Abass, Anas Muhammed, Lukman Halilu and Bamidele Ayodeji.
Kingsley Michael, Jack Ipalibo and Samuel Chukwueze might play in the midfield, leaving the duo of Victor Osimhen and Kehinde Ayinde upfront.
In the meantime, the Les Leopards breezed into the country on Saturday aboard Kenya Airlines and were promptly taken to Abeokuta ahead of the match.
Players to watch out for in the Congolese line up include Mawanga Nsembani Bodrick, the ‘albino guy’ that played in the midfield, and the gifted Mutatu Mbedi Manase, who wore the No. 10 shirt in Kinshasa, as well as goalkeeper Sese Bia Israel, who doubles as captain.
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