Were There Any Silver Linings To Flying Eagles' Performance In U-20 Afcon?

The Flying Eagles team arrived back in the shores of Nigeria this week to a banquet hosted by the sports minister who used the opportunity to encourage them to target Gold at the World Cup.

A bevy of Flying Eagles fans remain unconvinced about the prospects of the team in Indonesia owing to their indifferent performance at the Afcon.

For me, something in me is (very) proud of what Bosso’s boys achieved in Egypt.

Personally, I think Bosso shoots himself in the foot because he has it in him to coach the Flying Eagles to greatness if only he assembles team with greater quality in depth.

Imagine, the 2 best Under 20 teams in Africa (Senegal and Gambia) only managed to defeat the Flying Eagles by the skin of their teeth on a “smash-and-grab” method.

The much hyped Uganda fell to Bosso’s sword.

If he can plug certain areas of the team with technically grounded players, then quarter finals or Bronze medals (at least) awaits them in Indonesia. I haven't seen enough to suggest that the Flying Eagles will enter the World Cup as title contenders.

Well done to these lads, they were well conditioned athletes who pushed themselves to the peak of their abilities which is commendable. But guts and determination are no substitute for class and finesse.

Indonesia, here we come.