U20 AFCON : Five things we noticed from Flying Eagles' 1-0 win against Young Pharaohs

All Nigeria Soccer presents the five takeaways from the Flying Eagles' 1-0 win over Egypt on Wednesday evening in their second Group A game of the 2023 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. 

The victory puts the team in good stead and a positive outing on Saturday against Madagascar could see the team reach the quarterfinals stage depending on how the other groups also play out. 

1. Physical start to the game 

The game started on a frenetic note with tackles for both sets of players. 

The mood was understandable after a sloppy start to the tournament for the countries. However as the game developed, we had a more balanced, better display of football. 

2. The Long Route 

The Flying Eagles resorted to putting the ball in the air in a bid to catch the Egyptians on the break. 

The over-the-top tactics also gave way to making use of the wings and stringing of passes on the ground as the match wore on. 

Wasteful Eagles 

The Flying Eagles had numerous chances to go score more goals for Nigeria but the likes of Ayuba Abubakar, Rilwan Sarki and Emmanuel Uchegbu were wasteful when presented with the opportunity. 

The team will need to work on their profligacy in front of goal against Madagascar, and hopefully in the latter stages of the tournament. 

4. Impressive goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso 

Flying Eagles goalkeeper, Chijioke Aniagboso produced spectacular saves to deny and frustrate Egypt's attacking players on Wednesday evening. 

The decision-making of the keeper and his ball distributions were great to see. 

Coach Ladan Bosso will have a headache of dealing with the choice between Aniagboso and first team goalie, Nathaniel Nwosu going forward. 

5. A good game by 'general' Bameyi 

Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi had a better game on Wednesday against Egypt then he had in the game group game against Senegal. 

He was good defensively and also brought the ball out the defence quite quickly. 

Good leadership and a calm head for his young age. 

 Izuchukwu Michael
 

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