Bosso’s Boys Did Well
Personally, I think we fans have to remind ourselves that this is Under-20 football at a moderate level. Looking at it from that prism, I appreciate the innocence by which Ladan Bosso’s boys approached their game against South Sudan yesterday.
True, we can still expect and experience fascinating, expressive and vibrant football at this level which Bosso’s boys failed to deliver. This is where I think the perennial Under-20 coach kicks himself in the backside. He set his team up very well with his 4-3-3 formation and the intentions were there to deliver. But lack of adequate imagination, vision, invention, laced with inadequate techniques even in the basics of football also jeopardised Bosso’s own philosophy. If only he can shine his eyes brighter and selects more quality Under-20 players beyond ethnic, tribal and religious considerations (allegedly) , then I think Bosso’s brand of football could have been more exquisite than it is.
Yesterday, the Flying Eagles played with patriotism, dedication and passion – I can never question their passion. Certain key aspects of their game worked which made them impose their will on S/Sudan and milk out the hard earned 3 points. The crosses delivered from the right wing particularly were fabulous and near-world class. The player most responsible is number 7 Sadiq Isiyaka. Sadly, Bosso’s centre forwards number 7 Sunday Joseph and number 9 Agada failed woefully to anticipate these crosses. When they did, they lacked the killer instincts and basic techniques to bury begging chances. I have to applaud these strikers for endeavour but their movements and decision making have to improve as well as their thirst to score.
In midfield, number 10 Chibueze Izuogo and number 4 Daniel Daga caught the eye with compelling performances. Izuogo’s dribbling abilities, quality deliveries, runs and directness created chances. Daga (who reminded me of Sunday Oliseh) was pure class with this long balls, recycling of possession, interceptions, tackling and first touches. Daga’s selfishness at times was unnecessary and Izuogo needs to be less exuberant.
Number 6 Captain Daniel Bameyi was also emphatic and exciting with his defensive responsibilities and offensive forays. In fact the entire defence of Sampson, Abdullahi and Haruna launched into tackles with gusto, energy and intent which brought a smile to my face. Their last ditch sliding tackles and interceptions showed intention. But they were fallible in dealing with aerial duels and were susceptible to be drawn out of position. They can also lose 1 on 1 duels. Also, I was disappointed in goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu for making 2 needless mistakes by dropping the ball (in what should have been a routine catch and punch). His errors could have been costly had S/Sudan been more clinical.
I like Bosso but I am worried for his blood pressure. He looked bogged down with worry and anxiety. He never seemed happy with what his strikers and goalkeeper produced. But, he selected these same players so he only has himself to blame.
The formation for me was okay but the movements woven into it was basic, lacked imagination and standard from the players. Overall, the players couldn’t elevate their performance to produce eloquence and vibrancy.
However, their practical approach worked to keep them on the front foot, create neat chances, restrict S/Sudan and earn a slim win. But the Flying Eagles brought nothing new to the table suggest they are a cut above other teams in the tournament. They look beatable with their wastefulness in front of goal and goalkeeping frailties. They run and run which supports this perception of their “kick and follow” football.
However, they showed enough to suggest to me that the Flying Eagles will not go down to any opposition without a fierce fight, and that is good enough for me based on the quality of players Bosso picked for the tournament.