Fifa U20 World Cup: Five observations from Flying Eagles 2-0 win over Italy
Published: May 24, 2023The Flying Eagles, on Wednesday evening beat Group D rivals, Italy 2-0 in their second match of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.
The team coached by Ladan Bosso had defeated Dominican Republic 2-1 in their first game on Sunday.
All Nigeria Soccer here presents the observations from the game.
1. Aniagboso's jitters
Despite having a clean sheet on Wednesday, there were nervous moments with Kingsley Aniagboso in goal for Nigeria.
Early in the first half, the keeper made a hasty clearance that was almost intercepted by an Italian player. He also conceded a cheap corner with about 20 minutes played.
His performance improved in the second half as was able to deal with the crosses better albeit he had some difficulty with direct shots which needed second attempts to save.
2. The physical threat of Nigeria
The Flying Eagles may not have played a pleasing game in the eyes of pundits, the team however used their dominance on the physical side to their advantage.
This greatly repealed the more technical Italians as the Nigerians won almost all the one-on-one duels.
3. Great build-up
The build-up play of the Flying Eagles was great to watch.
They were confident to evade the attention of the Italian forwards at the back and their speed down the flanks especially after the introduction of Haliru Sarki were frightening.
4. Great defending
The central defenders and the flank players worked well together.
The only blot in the brilliant performance of the defenders was a yellow card brandished towards Benjamin Fredrick who made a challenge on an Italian.
5. VAR and referee decisions
The openness of the match officials so far at the tournament has caught the eye.
The on-field decisions have been made very clear with the verdicts of the referees heard loudly.
Izuchukwu Michael
Photo Credit: fifa.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Habeeb Ogunneye: 18yo Nigerian right-back named in Man Utd's travelling squad to face Fenerbahce
- 'My mum is from Nigeria' - Arsenal forward confirms he is qualified to represent Super Eagles, Black Stars, England
- 'My mother is Nigerian' - Red Bull Salzburg loanee confirms he is eligible to represent Super Eagles
- 'It’s a precautionary measure' - Alonso explains why Onyeka replaced Boniface in Leverkusen squad
- 'Almost breaks Reijnders ankle' - Club Brugge icon calls out Onyedika for dangerous tackle on AC Milan star
- Brendan Rodgers reveals how close he came to bringing Atalanta dazzler Lookman to Celtic
- 'These kind of mistakes' - Hayen to hold talks with Onyedika after 2 red cards in 4 European games
- 'Wasn't a punishment': AC Milan coach clarifies decision to bring on Chukwueze for Rafael Leao
- 'When I think of Martinez, Thuram' - Athekame admits Young Boys will face quality Inter Milan team
- 2024 Fifa U17 Women's World Cup: Five observations from Flamingos 1-0 win over Dominican Republic
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football