The Nigeria U17 team started their campaign at the U17 Africa Cup of nations on a winning note by picking up a slim 1-0 win over Zambia courtesy of a strike by Favour Daniel in the 76th minute.
OGN editor in chief Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman who saw the game live and can be said to be an authority on the team selects five key things from the game as the head shit their attention to the next game against group leaders Morocco.
1. These Boys Can Play – The 1-0 scoreline didn’t do justice to the performance of the Nigerian team as they totally dominated their opponent with a brand of football that can easily passed as entertaining and breathtaking. The way they moved the ball and their close ball control was a beauty to behold.
Maybe the team still need to be more clinical in the final third and more decisive with the final box into the box but one thing is certain. These boys can play.
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2. Solid Centre Backs – Seeing how the Nigerian team dominated the game one might be tempted to think that it was a one way traffic sort of game but it wasn’t. Zambia on their part threatened with their pacy forwards especially in the second half. However they met a brickwall in the pair of Jeremiah Olaleke and Tochukwu Joseph Ogboji.
The duo were solid in tackles, ball movement and build up play from the back. The ease with which they covered up for the overlapping full backs was also another thing that stood out and helped the team to a 1-0 win.
3. Midfield Lacks Creativity – Although Hope Linus impressed with his ability to receive a pass under pressure and beat the press. He was something guilty of trying the spectacular where a simple pass would have been a better option. It’s clear to see that the team is missing the creativity of the three key midfielders who are not part of this team after failing the MRI Test. They were the creative force behind the team’s success at the WAFU tournament.
4. No Much Faith In Substitutes – That it took around 80 minutes before coach Nduka Ugabde made his first substitution, even when it was apparent that those on the pitch were tired is a pointer to the lack of faith in the substitutes at this tournament. At the WAFU tournament that wasn’t the case and it almost proved costly yesterday with Zambia introducing fresh legs and they immediately seized control of the game.
5. Well Coached Team – From the way they progressed the ball from defence to midfield and attack, it’s clear to see a pattern that was rehearsed and perfected on the training ground. The overlapping full backs, build up from the back and balls into the box can’t be said to be a a coincidence. It is actually training ground stuff in full flow.
