Below are some of Africa’s brightest starlets from the 2007 FIFA World U17 tournament:





Ghana: Daniel Opare DF 18/10/1990 AshantiGold (GHA)


The best right back on show in Korea, much of the Starlets threat in Korea came down the right hand side with Opare on the overlap using his pace and precision crossing to great effect. At the back he looks equally comfortable and composed. With some Ghanaians already calling for this young man to be promoted into the senior side he is one to watch.


Tunisia: Nour Hadhria MF 04/09/1990 Club Africain (TUN)


Haddria was the rock at the heart of the Tunisian side. The Captain led by example and he combines industry with imagination and a very cool head. The number 10 is tipped to make a big splash in the Tunisian league in years to come and the manner in which he handled pressure in ’08 suggests that he’s got the temperament for the big occasion.


Nigeria: Rabui Ibrahim MF 15/03/1991 Sporting Lisbon (POR)


Rabui Ibrahim has been earmarked to fill the boots of Nigerian legend Jay Jay Okocha and with immaculate technique, precision passing and a powerfully accurate shot he has comparable qualities. He attracted attention from many top European teams before eventually signing for Sporting Lisbon- the only concern is whether at 16 he has made the move to Europe to soon.


Togo: Sapol Mani MF 05/06/1991 Maranatha (TOG)


Mani announced his arrival in Korea with a sharp turn and stunning drive into the bottom corner in Togo’s opener against Costa Rica. This industrious midfielder can make as well as score goals; he gets from box to box, and is as happy breaking up play as he is good at initiating it. Mani had a magnificent tournament and it was a pity to see him go home so early.


Ghana: Ransford Osei FW 05/12/1990 Kessben (GHA)


The young Kessben striker was a livewire for Ghana in Korea. His pace and movement terrified teams, but his finishing sometimes let him down. Despite that, he racked up 6 goals and walked away with 2nd place in the scorers’ charts. He’s now being linked with a move to England, where it’s rumoured that Liverpool and Tottenham are both interested in him.



Nigeria: Macauley Chrisantus FW 20/08/1990 Abuja (NIG)
Chrisantus walked away with two awards in Korea; he won the golden boot scoring 7 goals, and was voted 2nd most influential player after Germany’s Toni Kross. Although not known for his spectacular goals, he’s strong on the ball, is a cool finisher and has an uncanny ability to be in the right spot at the right time.