U17 AFCON : Three Observations From Nigeria U17s 2-1 Loss To Angola

Allnigeriasoccer.com's Izuchukwu Okosi highlights his observations from Saturday's 2-1 defeat of the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria  by Angola in the 3rd place  match of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.


1. Jabaar Is A Marked Man

Ibraheem Jabaar is one of the key players in the Golden Eaglets squad and it was  his equaliser against Angola (1-1) in the group stage that ensured the team reached the last four and booked a World Cup place.

Jabaar's dribbling and ball retention skills saw him suffer many fouls from opposing players in Tanzania and will be instrumental for Manu Garba, Nduka Ugbade and co in Brazil.


2. Ubani Needs A Strike Partner

The Golden Eaglets star player Wisdom Ubani grabbed an equaliser before Angola scored the back breaking second goal.

The coaches must find a good strike partner for the impressive Ubani. Rashidi Yekini and Samson Siasia, or Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke combo springs to mind.

This is  because the goal scoring burden is rested on the shoulder of the young man. The Eaglets scored five in their first match but struggled to reenact that in subsequent matches scoring just once bar the 0-0 versus Guinea in the semifinals.

3. More Competition For Oduko

The Golden Eaglets left back Ogaga Oduko is not a bad player but his position perhaps need the most competition in the team's defence.

The effervescent defender was not handed a starting place in the third place match rather the team played with three at the back but generally he will need to improve on his recovery rate and join the attack as and when necessary.

Izuchukwu Okosi