'I take the blame' - Zubairu admits Argentina's early goal knocked Flying Eagles off balance

Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has expressed disappointment over his players' attitude and performance following Nigeria’s 4–0 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos on Wednesday.

The heavy loss ended Nigeria's campaign at the tournament, having qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams in the group phase.

Speaking after the match, Zubairu lamented the team's poor start and lack of fighting spirit, noting that early goals unsettled the Flying Eagles and disrupted their tactical approach.

"The early goal is part of what destabilizes us. We conceded a goal at a very early stage of the game. Even the second goal came not too far from the first goal,” Zubairu said.

"I think that was what destabilized the whole of our approach but all the same I believe the boys did not display positive character. 

"Not really, what I think happened in the match is that the level of our fight anytime we don't have the ball is not enough."

The coach admitted that the lack of intensity when out of possession gave the Argentines room to dominate and exploit spaces in midfield and defense.

"That was what was giving the Argentines the opportunity and they saw a lot of space to operate. So anytime we lose the ball, we are not fighting back quickly."

Despite the disappointment, Zubairu took full responsibility for the defeat, shielding his players from criticism.

"That's football, sometimes it is like that. I take the blame. I take the responsibilities not the boys. The day they won they won. So, when they lose today, I take responsibility."

With the victory, Argentina will now face Mexico in the quarterfinals of the tournament, after the Mexicans recorded a commanding 4-1 win over hosts Chile on Friday.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: afa.com.ar

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