Fix it fast: Three areas Flying Eagles must improve before facing Morocco's young Atlas Lions

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Tunisia, thanks to a first-half strike from Auwal Ibrahim. 

While the result placed them in a strong position in Group B, their performance at the June 30 Stadium revealed several areas that head coach Aliyu Zubairu must urgently address before facing Morocco's young Atlas Lions on Sunday.

Morocco, who staged a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Kenya in their opening match, pose a much sterner attacking threat than Tunisia. 

To remain competitive and push for qualification to the quarter-finals, Nigeria must improve in the following key areas:

1. Defensive Concentration in Transition

Although the Flying Eagles kept a clean sheet against Tunisia, they struggled to deal with moments of quick transition, especially after losing possession in midfield. 

Morocco exploited such weaknesses against Kenya, capitalising on turnovers to create chances through Yassir Zabiri and Reda Laalaoui. 

Nigeria’s defenders must maintain better positional discipline and anticipate Morocco’s quick movements between the lines.

2. Midfield Ball Retention and Transition

Despite Ibrahim’s goal and solid individual display, Nigeria struggled to control the midfield for long spells. 

Tunisia exposed gaps between the lines, and the Flying Eagles at times resorted to hopeful clearances. 

Morocco excelled in moving the ball swiftly through midfield, with Yassir Zabiri and Saad El Haddad demonstrating high technical ability and vision. 

Zubairu will need to ensure better ball retention and quicker transitions, possibly by introducing an additional ball-playing midfielder to relieve pressure and launch counter-attacks.

3. Attacking Efficiency and Support Play

Nigeria managed just one shot on target in the first half against Tunisia and failed to test the goalkeeper consistently afterward. 

The wide forwards offered limited service, and central striker support was often lacking. Morocco conceded twice to Kenya but still looked compact in defence during the latter stages. 

Zubairu’s team needs sharper movement in the final third and better link-up play to convert half-chances into goals.

With Morocco sitting top of Group B following their high-scoring opener, the Flying Eagles must raise their performance levels to keep their hopes of progression intact. 

A draw may suffice to stay in contention, but a win would secure early qualification.

Wale Adejumo

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