The Flying Eagles of Nigeria secured their spot in the quarter final of the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Mozambique in their final group games.
Spectacular long range goals from Samson Lawal and Mohammed Beji got the goals that saw the Ladan Bosso led team move within one match of qualifying for the U20 World Cup later in the year.
It means they conclude the group stage of the tournament with two wins from three games with their only loss coming in the 0-1 loss to Senegal in the opening game of the tournament.
OGN editor in chief Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman picks five things to be taken from the three matches they played in the group stages ahead of the start of the quarter finals.
1. Uncoordinated Style Of Attack- One area Ladan Bosso complained about before the start of the tournament was the attack. Despite the team scoring goals for fun in the test games they played ahead of the start of the tournament, the coach maintained that the striking department is his major headache.
It’s clear to see why as their goals have come from wingers and defenders and not from any well worked team move, no thanks to the uncoordinated way which they play in the opponent’s half. No synergy between the wingers and attackers and even the midfield is lacking creativity.
2. Solid Defence – Aside from the goal conceded against Senegal which can easily pass as an offside with proper video review, the team is yet to concede. The back four of Augustine Njoku, Solomon Agbalaka, Benjamin Fredrick and Daniel Bameyi have been solid as a team with Fredrick and Agbalaka the standout performers.
3. Over Reliant On Wingers – Right from the first game it was clear to see that opponents have studied how to make the team ineffective by cutting off the wingers. Senegal and later Egypt did the same to perfection with a formation that sees them double up on the wingers. Mozambique played differently and paid the price. It will only be normal if Bosso thinks of another way to play ahead of the semi final.
4. Misfiring Star Players – Coming into this tournament, the team relied on some players to deliver them in tight moments during test games. Three games into the tournament and their star men Olamilekan Adams, Haliru-Sarki, Jude Sunday and especially Ahmed Abdullahi who was expected to do the damage for the team are yet to get going. Having them firing in the quarter finals will be heavy on Bosso’s mind.
5. Benjamin Fredrick Is Here To Stay – Not very often do defenders stand out in a team especially centre backs but that isn’t the case with this Nigerian team during the group stages of the U20 AFCON. Although left back Solomon Agbalaka has won back to back man man of the match awards. The man who has really prevented them from conceding has been Frederick. Four last ditch tackles to deny opponents an obvious goal chance says a lot about his importance to this team.
The timing of his tackles, ability to win aerial duels and also the comfort he shows on the ball has made him the one who has caught the eyes the most at this tournament for the Nigerian team. The Simoiben Academy graduate is here to stay.
