2023 U20 AFCON : Five takeaways from the Flying Eagles 1-0 loss to Senegal

The Flying Eagles lost their opening game of the 2023 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt on Sunday evening. 

Ladan Bosso's team put up a tepid performance against their West African rivals which puts their qualification to the latter stages at risk as their next game is against hosts, Egypt. 

All Nigeria Soccer presents the observations from the game. 

1. Poor Attack 

The Nigerian side had no shot on target until the 88th minute of the game. 

When striker Ahmed Abdullahi in jersey number 9 was brought from the substitute bench, most Nigerians thought a joker from the bench had come to rescue the team from the brink of defeat. 

Sadly, Abdullahi had an evening to forget as he bagged two yellow cards within 15 minutes which saw the team finish the contest with 10 men. 

The Flying Eagles must not be toothless against Egypt or they kiss the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia goodbye. 

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2. Poor Communication Between Players 

The players of the Nigerian side did not communicate with themselves effectively. 

There were times the attacking players got on each others' ways as they go for the same ball in a bid to shoot at goal. 

In defence, the goalkeeper, Nathaniel Nwosu and his players need to communicate better as it almost cost the team a second goal. 

3. Bright Spot In Defence

Despite the 1-0 defeat to Senegal, there was one bright spot on the Flying Eagles defence. 

Centreback Benjamin Fredrick produced an encouraging performance and was rarely beaten by the nippy Senegalese forwards. 

The towering defender won all the aerial balls he went for. He made one vital interception when the Senegalese embarked on a counter attacking move. He also cleared the ball whenever it became necessary. 

4. Senegal Start 

The junior Teranga Lions may not have the competitive league as that of the Nigeria Premier Football League, but they have players who are flourishing in their academies. 

These academies have affiliations with foreign teams in Europe especially in France so they have quality talents that can compete at tournaments on the African continent. 

The Senegalese started brightly and showed more composure when they had the ball. 

5. Individual Qualities for Nigeria 

A few of the Nigerian players showed their potential in the game especially the duo of Benjamin Fredrick (central defender) and Daniel Daga (defensive midfielder). 

These duo showed that they have great times ahead of them and were the only players that genuinely showed that there is a little hope for the team going forward in the tournament. 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

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