U17 AFCON : Five Takeaways From Nigeria U17s Penalty Loss To Guinea
Published: April 24, 2019Nigeria could not reach the final of the 2019 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations final holding in Tanzania following their defeat to Guinea after a marathon 10-9 penalty loss with both sides having played out a scoreless draw in 90 minutes.
Izuchukwu Okosi takes a look at the five takeaways from the all action battle at the National Stadium in Dar Es Salaam.
1. Ubani needs a Strike Mate
Golden Eaglets striker Wisdom Ubani has distinguished himself at the ongoing AFCON
The ferocious free kicks, the blistering pace and enormous power reminds us all of the legendary late Rashidi Yekini.
However the striker was most times left isolated in Guinea's opposition half and that made it too easy for the west Africans to mark him out.
2. Physical Guinea
Wednesday's match was a clash of styles. The Guineans mostly depended on their physical strength while Nigeria relied on their technical abilities.
The likes of Wisdom Ubani, Ibraheem Jabaar, Samson Tijani and Akinkunmi Amoo were at the receiving end of bad fouls from the desperate Guineans.
3. Oduko Must Do Defensive Duties First
Left back David Ogaga Oduko who missed the decisive 10th Nigerian penalty kick to hand Guinea a chance to gun for their first title at the cadet competition is a good asset to have when the team is on the front foot attacking the opponents with his incisive runs and crosses.
However when it came to defending as a left back, Oduko is limited. His recovery rate needs to improve. He leaves spaces behind which his teammates cover for him.
4. Sunday Stephen's Fine Performances
Sunday Stephen was not originally the first choice goalkeeper of the Golden Eaglets at this AFCON but Suleman Shaibu.
Impressive performances against Uganda, Angola, and Guinea (in 90 minutes) has seemingly guaranteed Stephen a spot in the team for Brazil 2019 (injury, form, discipline and MRI scan permitting).
Shaibu let in four goals in the nerve wrecking 5-4 win against hosts Tanzania on April 14 which inevitably handed Stephen the gloves subsequently and which he took gleefully with good performances.
5. The Supporters Clubs' Absence
Only a handful of Nigerians hoisting the green and white flag cheered the Golden Eaglets.
There was lack of boisterous band beaters, trumpeters and gospel singers in the stands.
The Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club these days are more interested in politicking and forming new associations rather than primarily doing the job of motivating their darling teams to victories.
Perhaps a little bit more of the support could have brought out a lot more from the Golden Eaglets.
Izuchukwu Okosi
Latest News
- European competitions: Lookman, Tella, Boniface, Kayode, Onyedika, Iroegbunam advance to semifinals
- Meet Victoria Ezebinyuo: SC Freiburg's 2019 Euro U17 winner eligible for Super Falcons
- 'My mum is Nigerian' - Arsenal RB confirms he's eligible to play for Super Eagles, three other national teams
- 'He's a better finisher' - Ex-Everton forward makes big claim over Cyriel Dessers and Kemar Roofe
- Patrick Dorgu: AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen interested in Lecce LB who dreams of moving to Chelsea
- 'Baffled me a little bit' - Ex-Man Utd striker doesn't understand why Aina keeps getting substituted
- West Ham United learn asking price for 19-goal striker eligible for Super Eagles
- Atalanta v Liverpool: Ex-Evertonian Lookman walking disciplinary tightrope even without a ball being kicked
- West Ham, Wolves, Brighton keeping tabs on 2024 Golden Boy nominee Samuel Omorodion
- The possible reason Bayer Leverkusen coach named 16yo Nigerian forward in squad to face West Ham
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football