After earning rave reviews in their opening match at the U-20 World Cup in Poland, the Flying Eagles came under the stick following their lacklustre performance against the United States of America on Monday
The 0-2 reverse leaves Paul Aigbogun’s lads with a must-win game in the last Group D fixture on Thursday against Ukraine.
Against the United States, the Flying Eagles were appalling, with heavy first touches and awful defending. The players failed close spaces against their opponents; they could not string passes together and also failed to win second balls.
Their positioning was also poor compared to the US U-20 team that was fearless, had good ball movement and coordination like the young Ajax team that went all the way to the semi-finals of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League season.
Beyond the below par performance of the players on the pitch, Aigbogun failed to act like a coach who had his training in the US as he was totally out of depth on Monday.ย He failed to make positive reactions when his boys were trailing 0-1 before conceding the second from the same player that scored the first in the match.
As it stands, the Flying Eagles have it all to do as another defeat will put paid to their ambition of advancing beyond the group stage of the competition.
The coach and his players will need to come to the party with a better game plan and enthusiasm this time as Ukraine are not likely to lie down for the Flying Eagles to tear apart.
However, given that the Ukraine has qualified for the round of 16, with six points from two matches, it is unlikely that their coach will rest some players against the young Eagles and this may count heavily in our favour.
If the Flying Eagles eventually escapes the hurdle against the Ukraine and progress to the knockout stages, it is unlikely the team will go beyond the quarter finals.
For the gaffer, Aigbogun, it is imperative for him to steer the team beyond the group stage, anything short of that will lead to his early exit from the team. The former Enyimba coach is also not likely to be considered for national team assignments for many years to come if he fails to impress with the U-20 team.
