17-Year-Old Nigeria-Eligible Goalkeeper Included In Man City Pre-season Squad

Published: July 14, 2019

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has announced his roster for the 2019 Asia Tour, with only one Nigeria-eligible player considered for the trip to China.

Republic of Ireland youth-teamer Gavin Bazunu is in contention to make his first-team debut for the Citizens in pre-season as he has been selected by the Spaniard while Tosin Adarabioyo's future at the Premier League champions has been thrown into doubt following his omission from the touring squad.

Striker Lukas Nmecha who has committed his international future to Germany has been named in the squad but his brother Felix as well as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Nathanael Ogbeta have been snubbed.

Signed from Shamrock Rovers in the January transfer window, Bazunu made his debut for City U18s in an U18 Premier League clash against Stoke City in February.

With experienced goalkeeper Claudio Bravo part of the traveling party, Bazunu must convince Guardiola that he can be the second choice goalkeeper ahead of Daniel Grimshaw.

Manchester City are facing West Ham United in their first pre-season game on Wednesday, July 17, before playing either Wolves or Newcastle United in the Premier League Asia Trophy play-off game or final on Saturday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : swai.ie