Udoh young version of Man City GK Ederson and four other takeaways from Golden Eaglets win v SA

The Golden Eaglets' quest to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup was enhanced on Saturday evening as they came from a goal down to beat South Africa 3-2. 

These are All Nigeria Soccer's observations from the game. 

1.Nigeria's pressing game 

The Nigerian youngsters were not deterred by the result against Morocco nor the initial setback against South Africa. 

To the neutrals watching, it was a beautiful game to see. The team coached by Nduka Ugbade were in the faces of their South African opponents all evening. 

They pressed in their numbers and chased every cause albeit that never stopped the South Africans also showing flashes of their own brilliance. 

2. Hope Linus' shots 

One noticeable feature in the Golden Eaglets' first half display was their eagerness to shoot from range. 

Hope Linus embodied that and despite having a good game all 90 minutes, his long shot rarely troubled the opposition goalkeeper. 

Ugbade must work on that in the training sessions. 

3. South Africa defensive shape, counter hope

South Africa were intentional about their defensive shape and attacking forays into the Nigerian area. 

They may not have players with the quality of the Nigerian side but there was a superb play. However, their counters and defensive shape were quite promising and encouraging.

4. Substitutes, now starters? 

The duo of Charles Agada and Light Eke were part of the team Saturday as they were the changes made by coach Nduka Ugbade from the team that faced Morocco. 

Both players scored on Saturday and that would make coach Ugbade's job a lot more difficult as team selection for the knock out beckons.

5. 'Sweeper' Goalkeeper 

Goalkeeper Richard Udoh was rarely troubled by the South Africans except when they attacked. 

His distribution is good for his age and that is a young version of Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

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