Nigeria’s road to quarterfinals: 3 factors key to beating South Africa in U17 AFCON clash

Nigeria’s Golden Eagles will today, Saturday, May 6, trade tackles with South Africa’s Amajimbos in a crucial last Group B match at the ongoing 2023 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria.

The Golden Eaglets need to at least avoid a defeat to advance to the knockout rounds of the competition.

Head coach Nduka Ugbade is, however, focused on claiming a win that refires Nigeria’s quest for a third continental triumph.

To beat South Africa in their quarterfinal match at the U17 AFCON, Soccernet.ng writes that Nigeria must focus on the following three key areas:

Defensive Organization and Discipline

Nigeria need to improve their defensive organization and discipline to nullify South Africa’s attacking threats. The Amajimbos netted thrice against Zambia in their last match, showing they carry a considerable attacking threat. 

The Eaglets should work on maintaining a compact defensive shape, closing down spaces, and marking South African players tightly. By minimizing defensive errors and preventing South Africa from creating clear scoring opportunities, Nigeria can enhance their chances of success.

Clinical Finishing

Nigeria must improve their finishing in front of goal to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Despite the team’s brilliant attacking combinations and movement off the ball, their decision-making in the final third has been woeful.

The Golden Eaglets have managed only one goal in two games despite creating numerous goalscoring chances. Ugbade’s boys must do better. 

By being clinical and composed in front of goal, Nigeria can maximize their goal-scoring potential and put pressure on South Africa’s defence.

Midfield Dominance

Nigeria should aim to dominate the midfield battle to gain control of the game. They need to establish a strong presence in midfield, win second balls, and dictate the match’s tempo.

By controlling possession and creating opportunities from midfield, Nigeria can limit South Africa’s attacking threats while creating their own chances to score.

Overall, Nigeria’s success against South Africa will depend on their defensive organization, clinical finishing, and midfield dominance. By excelling in these areas, they can increase their chances of securing a victory and advancing to the quarterfinals of the U17 AFCON.