U-20 World Cup: Three observations from Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Argentina
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles stunned 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosts Argentina in a 2-0 Round of 16 win. Here are three observations from that game.
SQUAD DEPTH KEY FOR FLYING EAGLES
There is depth in the Flying Eagles squad and this has been key for the team at the U-20 World Cup.
This makes it possible for the coaches to take-off players and still keep shape as witnessed in the second half vs Brazil and in the last-16 clash vs Argentina.
Tochukwu Nnadi and Ibrahim Muhammad were drafted into the starting XI for the game vs Argentina without any negative effects as the Nigerian boys contained the opposition until fortification arrived from their reserve bench.
Substitute Emmanuel Umeh threaded a pass to Ibrahim Muhammad to score the opener before two other substitutes, Victor Eletu and Haliru Sarki combined for the latter to head home the second goal .
It is always a blessing for any team to have perfect complements, this has been key for the Flying Eagles. Now that is a sign of a thorough and merit based selection process.
EXCELLENT SUBSTITUTIONS BY THE LADAN BOSSO LED COACHING CREW
Coach Ladan Bosso is gradually winning over the heart of Nigerian football fans with his decisions at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Bosso arrived in Argentina as one of the most criticized Nigerian Coaches and not many gave him a chance of guiding the Flying Eagles this far.
His substitutions in the 2-0 win over Argentina were excellent and spot on.
First, Salem Fago was taken off for winger Emmanuel Umeh in the 57th minute. four minutes after coming on, the winger provided assist for the opening goal.
The goal sparked periods of sustained pressure from the opposition. While many coaches would have sent on more defenders to try and keep the advantage, Bosso instead introduced AC Milan U-19 attacking midfielder Victor Eletu for first goal-scorer Ibrahim Muhammad in the 79th minute.
11 minutes later, Eletu was composed enough to hold off a challenge from an Argentine defender to cross for another substitute Haliru Sarki to send a diving header into the net for 2-0.
When squad depth meets excellent game changing substitution decisions, well done Ladan Bosso and the Flying Eagles technical crew.
DANIEL DAGA: Another Wilfred Ndidi is born
The goal-scorers will dominate headlines but in a game where Argentina dominated possession, Goalkeeper Aniagboso, the defenders and defensive midfielder Daniel Daga had a busy evening to keep Nigeria in the contest.
Daniel Daga again was fantastic with numerous interceptions and neat tackles to inspire the thoughts that another Wilfred Ndidi is born.
Daga worked so hard all game, his defending shade well complemented by his long passes to launch attacks.
No wonder he has had positive reviews from around the World and is currently linked with a move to several top clubs in Europe.
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