The Nigeria U-20 national team, Flying Eagles on Monday evening were beaten 1-0 by The Gambia in their semifinals match at the Cairo International Stadium Nigeria soccernet reports
The Flying Eagles were gunning for a record-extending eighth continental crown.
Nigeria had a chance to draw level when VAR awarded them a penalty after striker Ahmed Abdullahi was fouled by the goalkeeper on his way to goal.
Four Observations to there loss:
1. Carelessness in wingers position:
The duo of Haliru Sarki and Ibrahim Muhammad interchanged positions at will in the game.
The forwards were keen on catching the Gambians off guard and keep them guessing but ultimately the plans didn’t matter much.
2. Weakness in the Midfield:
The midfield was very much controlled by the Gambians.
Onuche Ogbelu gave away the ball that led to the goal scored by the prolific Adama Bojang.
The middle of the park was dominated by the enterprising Gambians and Nigeria never recovered from the fearless approach of their opponents.
3. Strong defence:
Despite the slim victory, the defensive paring of Abel Ogwuche and Benjamin Fredrick proved that they could be a solid partnership going forward.
They were strong in the tackles and very good aerially. They made timely clearances and Fredrick even went close to getting an equaliser.
4. Abdullahi woeful performance:
Flying Eagles striker Ahmed Abdullahi had another poor performance in the game.
Fouled in the box which the VAR deemed was a penalty, the number 9 insisted on converting the spot kick but his effort came off the post.
Granted, players lose penalties but the striker who came off the bench failed to impose himself on the game in general for the time he spent on the pitch.
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