FIVE YOUNG PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE 2018/2019 NIGERIA WOMEN PREMIER LEAGUE
By Dapo Sotiminu
The Nigeria Women Premier League has proven to be a green pasture for young talents over the years as the likes of Mercy Akide-Udoh, Asisat Oshoala, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Franscisca Ordega, Ngozi Okobi and Halimatu Ayinde gained prominence in the NWPL before moving abroad to further their career.
Last season, Nigeria Women Premier League youngsters Chiamaka Nnadozie, Chidinma Okeke, Anam Imo and Rasheedat Ajibade enjoyed breakthrough campaigns.
Numerous youngsters would like to emulate these players and take their games to the next level in the upcoming NWPL season. Doing so would certainly require a huge amount of efforts and more importantly, opportunities to display their skills. On that note, the NWFL Media wrote about five youngsters to look out for in the upcoming Nigeria Women Premier League.
#5 Maryann Ezeanagu (Delta Queens) 18years old
The young forward has a bright future ahead of her. Ezeanagu was one of the best players for Delta Queens last season as her five league goals almost got her team to the NWPL Super 4.
Her ability to ghost into goal scoring positions has profited Delta Queens greatly and she is one of the reasons they are in the semifinal of the 2019 AITEO Cup Championship.
Born in Asaba, Delta State, Maryann Ezeanagu was an integral part of her secondary school football team at the Asaba Girls Grammar School and was discovered by Non-League side CIA Angels (Agbor) immediately after school before joining Delta Queens.
#4 Anjor Mary Magdalene (Bayelsa Queens) 18years old
Anjor Mary took the Premier League by storm last season scoring six league goals and six cup goals thus becoming the second top scorer in the league and highest goal scorer at the league cup.
Blessed with great ability, Anjor is a rare talent and one who makes impact upfront as an attacker. Her tackling and passing abilities are commendable as well, as she recorded five assists last season, while still playing for Osun Babes FC.
Still just 18 years of age, Anjor has huge scope for improvement, something which her former coach Liadi Bashir has echoed repeatedly.
Born in Onitsha, Anambra State, Anjor attended Inland Girls Secondary School, Onitsha and was known as a tomboy. She is expected to continue from where she stopped last season. http://www.bellsnews.com/sports/twitter-on-fire-as-fans-react-to-baloguns-apology/
#3 Precious Christopher (Confluence Queens) 18 years Old
Blessed with a wonderful left foot, Precious Christopher is a modern day left winger. Her pace, dribbling ability and skills are plain for all to see. Christopher is a tremendously gifted player, and her ability to glide past defenders due to her lithe frame is beautiful to watch.
She was used at left-back for a large part of her season with Abia Angels, but after joining Ibom Angels, Coach Whyte Ogbonda realised her ability and moved her up the pitch.
Precious Christopher blossomed in Ogbonda’s system as she was an integral part of the “Orange Ladies” team that got to the back to back final of the AITEO Cup and much will be expected of her in the Premier League this season.
#2 Joy Omewa (Osun Babes FC) – 16 Years old
One of the most highly-rated prospects in Nigerian Women Football, Omewa set tongues wagging with her display in Osun Babes routing of non-league side Co- Curricular Ladies FC in May.
Signed from Non-League side Young Talent 99 FC by the ‘Omoluabi Queens” as a replacement for Anjor Mary who departed for league champions Bayelsa Queens. Omewa is quick and has a good shot accuracy, which is one of her rare gifts.
Omewa is certainly one of the best product to emerge from Young Talent 99 FC in a long time, and it is easy to see why.
#1 Esther Oyenezide (FC Robo) 16 years old
Three goals and four assists in thirteen appearances for FC Robo last season was a productive feat for a 15year old.
Still in secondary school and playing professional football, Esther Onyenezide is an extremely talented young forward with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for the future.
She has all the attributes that a modern day forward has, physicality, tactical intelligence and technical quality, combined with a FC Robo mentality which prepares players for the maturity they need at the Nigeria Women Premier League.
