One of 35 players invited by Nigerian under-20 national team head coach Isah Ladan Bosso to resume camp in Abuja in preparation for this year’s Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Christogonus Ibe has said that his invitation to the national team has changed and redirected his career focus for now.

Christogonus, who plays for Owerri’s amateur team Chukwuebuka Football Club, told our reporter that he is excited about his invitation, which he attributed to months of hard work and providence.

“Several football agents had tried to take me abroad for trials, but my manager advised against me insisting that I should train and develop on the local scene first to be ready for the international market,” he said. The gangly goalscoring striker said that it has been 2 years of hard work and dedication to training. “I am happy that the effort has paid off with this invitation to the Under 20 National Team, which is the dream of every player. ”, he added.

The Ikeduru, Imo State-born player said his goal for now is to prove himself in camp and make the final roster to represent Nigeria at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. this year.
“I know that making the team will not be a walk in the park considering the quality of other players in the camp as well, but I think I have what it takes to excel not only in the camp but also in the championship in Egypt.”

He added that although he has some offers from some agents, now all of that will stay in the fridge because he needs to focus on the domestic assignment.

The invited players have begun training in Abuja as coach Bosso looks to pick his final team for the tournament which also serves as a qualifying tournament for this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Indonesia. Seven-time African champions Nigeria will face host nation Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique in Pool A of the 12-nation tournament taking place in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Ismailia from February 19 to March 11. . The four semi-finalists from the championship will fly the African flag at this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Uganda, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Congo are in Group B, while the Gambia, Tunisia, the Republic of Benin and Zambia will be in Group C.

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