Akpan Udoh May Return Against Gabon

Goalkeeper Akpan Udoh would most likely start in goal for the Golden Eaglets when Nigeria's Under-17 side tackle their Gabonese counterparts on Saturday.

Udoh agility was there for all to see as he kept clean slates in the two matches against Congo Democratic Republic in the Second Round in Kinshasa and Abeokuta as the Golden Eaglets triumphed on a 5-0 aggregate. The former National Under-15 goalkeeper, however, did not make the trip to Libreville but has swiftly regained his position ahead of the crucial game on Saturday.

Akpan has indeed been in excellent form with rare agility even during routine penalty practice fueling speculation that he might be between the sticks against Gabon.

"I think the competition for shirts have been very impressive and exciting," Prince Udofia, Golden Eaglets coordinator said.

"The contest between the three goalkeepers (Udoh; Ebuka Nwokoecha and Benjamin Amos have been intense but Udoh seems to have a slight edge."

The Golden Eaglets probable line up might include defensive quartet of Anas Muhammed; Ayodeji Bamidele; Douglas Uzama and Abass Usman. Skipper Kelechi Nwakali would expectedly lead the midfield along Jack Ipalibo, Promise Orji and Suleiman Abubakar in a 4-4-2 formation that could see Samuel Chukwueze pairing with Ebere Osinachi in attack.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke however, has reckoned that players eventually picked would give their best since the sole objective of the team right from the outset was to win.

"We don't want to be distracted in anyway because the only thing on our mind on Saturday is victory," he said.

"Though we are going to miss Victor Osihmen and Ernest Agenor but we have been working well with other players too."

Meanwhile, the Gabonese contingent as well as match referees from Morocco and the match Commissioner from Sudan have all landed in Calabar.

While match officials came in on Friday, the Golden Eaglets' opponents breezed into Canaan City aboard a chartered flight on Saturday's afternoon.