GK Oluwabusola Outstanding Saves And Three Observations From Nigeria U17 Loss To Australia

Published: November 02, 2019

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets were defeated 2-1 by Australia in their last Group B game of the U-17 World Cup.

Izuchukwu Okosi here makes his observations about the five time champions' game.

1. No Third Time Lucky For Nigeria's Defence

The Golden Eaglets won their previous matches in the tournament thus far, against Hungary and Ecuador, but had to do so coming from losing positions.

There was no such luck for them against Australia who they have defeated six times in previous editions of the cadet World Cup.

This was a timely warning for coaches Manu Garba and Nduka Ugbade to work on the defensive side of their games.

2. Amoo Better Coming From The Bench?

Akunkunmi Amoo who has proven to be the creative spark in the team coming off the bench in the matches against Hungary and Ecuador started on Friday night but had a rather quiet game by his modest standards.

It may seem that he is better off coming off the bench to influence matches when the opposition is mentally and physically weak.

3. Shooting Spree Must Be Intelligent

The Golden Eaglets had many shots on and off target. The motive is good but it must not be at the team's detriment.

A situation whereby a player is better placed but his teammate shoots away could affect team chemistry. It paints a picture of some players being selfish.

The Eaglets deployed the tactic of the ball over the top in their previous matches, a counter attacking one, since they have speed in their armory.

Some Nigerians criticized it but this writer feels it could have worked a trick against a strong and tall defenders of the Aussies.

4. Joseph Oluwabusola Saves

The Eaglets coach made four changes to the team that have been starting and one of them was goalkeeper Joseph Oluwabusola in place of Daniel Jinadu.

The new man in goal made some outstanding saves with his hands and feet and looked more assured than Jinadu thus creating a bit of goalkeeping conundrum for the goalkeeping coaches. Its a good headache to have though.

Izuchukwu Okosi