Personally, I think fans can be satisfied with the performance of the Golden Eaglets yesterday against Burkina Faso despite not been able to run out winners.
As has become a staple of Nigerian Under-17 football in recent seasons, certain undesirable factors plagued the team prior to the tournament. From failure to appoint a coach on time, failure to pick and prepare players in a timely manner to decimation of the original squad due to failing MRI tests, there were disruptions at every turn.
But yesterday Manu Garba’s lads put all that behind them to produce a profession performance with just frayed around certain tactical edges.
I loved how they created compelling goal scoring opportunities via a variety of methods. Some neatly disguised through balls from midfield put the strikers through on goal whilst they created space from the flanks to deliver a melange of high and low crosses.
They played with urgency and sense of purpose, portraying players grateful to have survived the purge of MRI to be representing Nigeria. Interplay of passes were very good and these lads showed admirable composure on the ball. Even for Under-17 football, they could not be accused of kick-and-follow football – no, they displayed tactical awareness and discipline.
It wasn’t a perfect performance by any means as some things did bother me. Decision making at times was questionable as Cletus – through on goal as a recipient of a delicious defense splitting pass – chose to pass instead of taking a punt at goal in the second half (and his pass was awful). Another winger chose to shoot from the byline with his colleagues well placed. The goalkeeper did very well but he comes across as being a bit too exuberant. The finishing was disgraceful as some of their shots lacked power-commitment and precision.
But they come across as being sturdy in defence, putting their bodies in the right places to choke out the opposition. Their passing routines were vibrant and executed with flair and energy, giving their entire presentation that lift and excitement.
These are players pulling in the right direction and they showed much potential and ability to improve and gel much better as the tournament progresses.
There wasn’t a dull moment in that match. The Golden Eaglets displayed a rich array vibrancy in their attitude and an abundance of style in their approach which sadly could not translate to 3 points with frivolous finishing and dubious decision making.
But the building blocks are there of a team that can grasp the nettle, learn from past mistakes and do the business in the remainder of the tournament.
Comments