Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that Bournemouth youth-team goalkeeper, Joseph, has entered into the Nigeria history books by becoming the first foreign-based player to be included in the Golden Eaglets squad list for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Since the Africa U17 Cup of Nations qualifiers started, no player representing a professional club abroad has managed to make the final roster until now and the Cherries netminder is pushing to make the starting lineup when the Golden Eaglets play Burkina Faso in their opener on September 3.
Joseph is calm and confident in goal, has quick reflexes and good ball distribution, and does not panic in one-on-one situations.
Meanwhile, Nigeria U17 manager Manu Garba is confident that the national team will qualify for the 2019 U17 AFCON, adding that they have prepared well for the zonal qualifiers.
''We are almost in the finishing touches, we are in the last phase of preparation, the team has done very, very well in terms of physical fitness, technically and tactically, but we still have a little grey area to address,'' said Manu Garba.
''As you can see in today's (Thursday's) match, we created some chances. The team we played against are older, bigger and physically stronger so if they can meet their mates, the story will be different.
''As you can see in today's (Thursday's) match, we created some chances. The team we played against are older, bigger and physically stronger so if they can meet their mates, the story will be different.
''The most important thing is the boys did very well by controlling possession and creating more chances than the opponents.
''I am optimistic that we have a team that can stand the test of time but we take every match as it comes, we intend to win every match we play in Niger. By winning every match, the sole ticket is going to be for us God willing.''
''I am optimistic that we have a team that can stand the test of time but we take every match as it comes, we intend to win every match we play in Niger. By winning every match, the sole ticket is going to be for us God willing.''
The Golden Eaglets thrashed Lead Soccer International FC of Lagos 3-0 in Thursday's friendly and will play another friendly on Saturday, August 25.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit: thenff.com
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