NPFL 2023 season: Player to watch; Wikki Tourists (Center-back): James Abel (photos)

By Ejimafor Itumo

Nigeria’s football biggest talents are set to take centre stage over the course of the next five months after the Nigeria Premier Football League 2023 season kick started on Sunday, January 8.

In every campaign there are always new stars who emerge and there are some incredibly talented players who are ready to become bonafide superstars.

Here’s an amazing player to keep your eyes on during the NPFL 23′ season…

James Abel (Wikki Tourists): Center-back

James Abel is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Wikki Tourists in the Nigeria Premier Football League as a center-back.

Abel is considered by the media to be among the most highly regarded young prospects in African football, all thanks to his unique style of play.

Having played as an defensive midfielder in his stages, Abel is both a physical and technically gifted right-footed centre-back, who is known for his anticipation, clean tackling, man marking, strength, height, speed and accurate passing ability, which enables him to begin attacking plays from the back.

His height makes him a major threat for the opposition during set pieces, while his physique and strength means that he is unlikely to be bullied off the ball, particularly in aerial battles.

A media publication in 2020 described the Wikki Tourists new signing as a “natural leader [who] is an elegant two-footed central defender. Commanding a huge presence in the air, James Abel is blessed with strength, fine distribution and composure, and can play out from the back courtesy of his composure when in possession, while his intelligent positioning helps him deny pacy forwards.

With his ability to read the game, he could even fit perfectly in defensive midfield role.