U-20 WC: Three lessons from Nigeria`s 2-1 win over Dominican Republic
Nigeria`s U-20 male team the Flying Eagles came from behind to defeat Dominican Republic 2-1 in their opening group D game of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
SPORTSRATION reviews three lessons Ladan Bosso and his boys should take from the game.
NAMES AND PEDIGREE WILL NOT COUNT
Nigeria started the encounter heavily backed to drown Dominican Republic with goals at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on Sunday May 21.
This was based on Nigeria`s pedigree and ranking in age-grade competitions as against a Dominican Republic appearing at the tournament for the very first time.
Inside the opening half-hour, the U-20 Eagles were trailing.
To get the victory, Ladan Bosso and his boys had to put in hard work and were lucky to scrap through.
This is a lesson that big names and pedigree will not count at the U-20 World Cup.
Nigeria will reverse to the role of underdogs vs Italy on May 24, there is absolutely every chance of victory there.
JUDE SUNDAY WILL BE KEY TO THE TEAMS ASPIRATION
18-year old Real Sapphire forward Jude Sunday tormented the Dominican Republic back-line with his pace, strength and most significantly powerful shots.
As the tournament progresses, there will be games Nigeria will find breaking into the opposition area a herculean task. In this games, Jude Sunday will be key with his bullet shots from distance.
NIGERIA WILL SCORE IN EVERY GAME PLAYED
With the way the Flying Eagles are shaped to attack, the probability of scoring in every game is high.
The strikers are direct with their approach and will not be short of supply from the midfield.
The problem will be, can they score enough to out number the goals their not too convincing defence line will concede.
WHAT NEXT
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will return to training today in preparation for the second game vs Italy. That match will take place on Wednesday May 24 by 7pm at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza.
Following a 3-2 win over Brazil in the other group D fixture on Sunday, Italy sit top of the log in group D. Wednesday`s game will be a direct battle for top-spot and possibly a chance to reach the knockout stage with a game to spare.
Ladan Bosso and his boys must pickup lessons from the first game and be ready for Italy.
