Five Takeaways From Flying Eagles Scoreless Draw Versus South Africa

Nigeria's U-20 national side the Flying Eagles were held to a scoreless draw on Tuesday in their second Group A game of the 2019 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Niamey, Niger.

Izuchukwu Okosi takes a look at the five takeaways from the match.

1. Skillful Eagles

The Flying Eagles played a brand of football that was pleasing to watch.

The players were comfortable in possession and have superb link up play that buttresses the enormous work done by coach Paul Aigbogun.

2. The Eagles High Pressing Game

The Flying Eagles' pressing game deployed by the coach was effective in the first half albeit somewhat cooled in the second half.

The Nigerian players reacted brilliantly to the second balls but they ran out of ideas as the match petered out.

3. Physical State of The Team

One of the noticeable attributes of the Flying Eagles were their incredible competitive nature.

From defenders to forwards, the Nigerian players were ready for whatever battles the South Africans brought.

In addition to their innate talents, the fitness of these Eagles could help propel them to a title tilt in Niger and hopefully at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.

4. Ozornwafor Must Watch His Temperament

Flying Eagles defender Valentine Ozornwafor twice had confrontations that almost led to him being booked.

First he remonstrated for a decision by the referee and towards the end of the match got into heated arguments with South Africa players after he impeded keeper Khulekani Kubheka.

The beanpole defender is good in the air and defends well but he must keep his temper in check in order not to reduce his team's numbers at crucial times.

5.  Oremade's Distribution Good

Keeper Olawale Oremade had good ball distribution throughout the duration of the match and that was encouraging.

The custodian must continue in that stead but not be too fanciful whilst trying to play out from the back.