Imbah: Gboko kid sensation who idolises Modric

<p>Benue State, North-central Nigeria has not been to produce a world-class midfielder since the exit of Ogenyi Onazi from the Super Eagles, but the talented 14-year-old Nderneh Imbah from Gboko seems poised to take over from the former Lazio man in the nearest future, following his outstanding performances in the middle of the park in the tough and murky waters of the domestic league.</p>, <p>Imbah, who plays for Empire FC in the Nationwide League One, the third-tier level of club football in Nigeria, is one player who looks tailored for the modern game.</p>, <p>The young and skillful midfielder, who told our correspondent he models his game after Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, has been one of the shining lights of the Empire boys this season.</p>, <p>Since joining their senior team at the start of the season, Imbah has taken charge of the side’s midfield responsibilities, slotting into an anchorman role regularly as required.</p>, <p>According to his coach, Samun Templa, Imbah has been one of the league’s top tacklers, and only few players in the division have won the ball back more in the middle third despite his considerable output further up the pitch.</p>, <p>He has been likened to the 2018 Ballon D’Or winner, Modric, already. Anyone in that mould would be relished at any cadre of the Nigerian youth national team.</p>, <p>“Imbah is a player with a fine touch and a really strong outlook on the whole pitch,” Templa told PUNCH Sports Extra.</p>, <p>“His performances in the Nationwide League One are a real sign of someone able to puff their chest out and play at a really high level.</p>, <p>“We saw the same thing on his debut in the league, it didn’t scare him at all and he ended up winning the man of the match award.</p>, <p>“There’s a big chunk of potential in him and I think he will be the next big midfielder out of this state, after Onazi, someone who’s packed a lot into a relatively short career.”</p>, <p>Empire FC are unbeaten in three of the five opening league games Imbah has featured in in the NLO this sea