FIVE POTENTIAL BREAKOUT STARS OF CHAN 2018 – Daniel Itodo tops the list

Daniel Itodo: There’s talent aplenty in the Nigerian side that’s heading to Morocco, despite some of the high-profile omissions from this NPFL select. One of the players who has the potential to star in North Africa—and make the Team of the Tournament—is left-back Itodo.

The 21-year-old is coming off the back of a fine season with Nigerian champions Plateau United, and is about much more than his fabled long throws. He already looks comfortably ready for life in the Caf Champions League next year, and a spot in the World Cup squad isn’t out of the question.

Frantz Pangop: Cameroon were troubled by Morocco in a pre-tournament friendly earlier this month, losing 3-1 to raise significant concerns about their prospects at the CHAN. However, arguably the one bright light for the Indomitable Lions was the performance of Pangop, who scored their consolation goal in the 48th minute. The Union Douala frontman has come to the end of his contract with his club, but having already been involved in the full Cameroon setup, will see the CHAN as a launchpad for greater things.

Paul Mucureezi: Uganda are taking a crop of talented players to the African Nations Championship, many of whom appear primed for futures outside of East Africa and for long success with the national side. At 24, Mucureezi is one of the oldest of an exciting bunch of attackers, and this pastor’s son will be hoping to use the CHAN to prove that he can terrorise some of Africa’s best full-backs. He caught the attention during the qualifiers when he scored four in a 5-1 rout of South Sudan, and will be hoping for something similar in Morocco.

Ally Niyonzina: One of the players Nigeria will have to bypass if they’re to top Group C is Niyonzima, who will hold the fort for Rwanda at the base of the Amavubi midfield in their opening showdown with the Eagles. The 21-year-old impressed for AS Kigali last term, and has already featured for the full national side. At 6 foot 2, he’s a significant unit in the midfield, and can use the ball well—if afforded time in possession.

Ismail Haddad: Morocco’s Achraf Bencharki will be the striker who will be watched the closest on home soil this month, particularly following his exploits in the Caf Champions League and his growing role with the Atlas Lions. However, this Moroccan side is full of talented options, and Bencharki’s Wydad Casablanca teammate Haddad is another who could steal the show this month. Haddad can threaten from distance, takes a mean free kick, and is effective when cutting in from the left.