U17 AFCON : Five observations from Golden Eaglets' hard-fought 1-0 win against Zambia

The Nigeria U-17 national team, Golden Eaglets, on Sunday evening beat Zambia 1-0 to begin their campaign in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria on a winning note thanks to a goal from Favour Daniel. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents the takeaways from the match held at Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine. 

1. Game of two halves 

Nigerian national team began the game on a promising note in the first half but the Zambians were the better side in the second half. 

In recent years, Nigerian teams have not particularly started very well in tournaments. 

The Super Eagles side that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and even the Flying Eagles that picked one of the four African tickets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina also began on a shaky note in Egypt. 

2. Indecision by Golden Eaglets players 

The Golden Eaglets have good players who are promising and are likely to be future stars of the game. 

Their individual talents were there to be seen but most of their final passes mostly left much to be desired. 

The players would have to string better passes together in their next group matches and shoot when they need to do so rather than pass to a teammate who is closely marked by an opponent. 

Right back Yahaya Lawali in particular was quick to cut back the ball when in promising positions to shoot at goal. He has to know when to be selfless and when to go for it. 

3. Strong defence 

The Golden Eaglets defenders, particularly the central defensive pair of Tochukwu Ogboji and Jeremiah Olaleke were disciplined and never allowed the attacking players of Zambia to put away their goal scoring chances.

The understanding of the duo portends of good news despite the team struggling to contain the junior Chipolopolo on Sunday. 

4. The penalty loss 

Substitute Light Eke was presented with the chance of doubling the Golden Eaglets' lead but he missed from 12 yards. 

The penalty was tame and could have been a problem for the two-time African champions if they were not leading at that point. 

The coaching crew must ensure that the players start practicing better for penalty kicks as a win in the next group game is likely to take them to the quarterfinals stage. 

5. Faith in Ugbade and the players

The rather laborious win of the Nigerian cadet team would probably have some sections of Nigerian supporters believing that the team might not qualify from a group that also have Morocco and South Africa. 

But the Zambians beat South Africa twice during their regional tournament prior to the U-17 AFCON in Algeria. 

Zambia also defeated Senegal in a preparatory friendly ahead of the tournament. 

Conversely, the Golden Eaglets played friendlies against youth teams and local academies in Nigeria - so the difference is clear in terms of opposition faced. 

Nigerian fans must give the team coached by Nduka Ugbade some deserved credit. 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

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