Nigeria's 1-0 loss to Gambia's Young Scorpions in the semifinals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations was a disappointing one for the Flying Eagles.
The game had several key takeaways that are worth noting. Here are five of them:
Dominance doesn't guarantee success
Despite dominating possession with a 62.5% possession and having 162 accurate passes compared to Gambia's 86, Nigeria still lost the match.
The first half was Nigeria's best half of the tournament, but they couldn't capitalize on their dominance, conceding a cheap goal early in the game.
This highlights the importance of taking chances when they arise, regardless of how dominant a team may be.
Ineffective attacking play
In the first half alone, Nigeria had eight attempts at goal to Gambia's one, but only two of those attempts were on target.
This indicates a lack of quality in the attacking third. The team's wingers were ineffective, and their centre-forward, Ayuba, was poor. The lack of a cutting edge in front of goal ultimately cost Nigeria the match.
Limited coaching
The Gambians looked more organized and better drilled than the Flying Eagles.
Ladan Bosso, the coach of the Nigerian team, deserves credit for qualifying the team for the World Cup, but the team he has put together is uninspiring.
Bosso's limited tactical acumen was exposed in the game, which is a worrying sign for Nigeria's U-20 team.
Poor set-piece performance
Despite having ten corner kicks in the first half, Nigeria failed to make them count. The Flying Eagles even missed a penalty late in the game.
This highlights the team's poor set-piece performance. Set pieces can be a crucial part of a team's attacking strategy, and Nigeria's inability to capitalize on them was a missed opportunity.
Insufficient quality players
The Flying Eagles had only two or three players who could be praised for their quality in the match and, by extension, at this championship.
To excel at the World Cup, the Baby Eagles need better-quality footballers. Only a more competitive squad can lift Nigeria to compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, Nigeria's loss to Gambia in the semifinals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations was a disappointing one.
The team needs to improve in several areas to compete effectively in the upcoming World Cup. Nigeria's U-20 team must address the deficiencies identified if they hope to compete at the highest level.
Nigerian under 20 may do the best next
Very disappointing to watch them. Apart from ineffective attack, some players have no business been in the team. Three qualities make a complete footballer: speed, skill and intelligent. Only one or two players show those qualities in the team. The team needs to be strengthened with quality players. We have them in abundance in our football academies throughout the country. We can’t take these set of current players to the WC, otherwise we shall be humiliated.
Yes ohh
But anyway! Any disappoinment is a blessing
Once again an inept coach who has no tactical acumen. Again why not foreign based players to compliment the home base boys . Gambia had several foreign based players who have been well drilled, hence the d flying eagles in ability to break the Gambian’s down . As one observer has said there needs to be a massive overhaul if they want to excel at the world cup
Everything about this administration is failure and with the stolen mandate of the masses, the failure will multiply by 10. Nothing good comes from a stolen item.
@Uche King, guess you are still under the influence of your bigot thinking right? How has everything being a failure if that’s all you can think. If they had won the match, you won’t be spitting this gibberish. Wish for the country’s development and not the downfall or you be the one to fall alone