U17 AFCON : Five Takeaways From Nigeria U17s Penalty Loss To Guinea

Published: April 24, 2019

Nigeria could not reach the final of the 2019 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations final holding in Tanzania following their defeat to Guinea after a marathon 10-9 penalty loss with both sides having played out a scoreless draw in 90 minutes.

Izuchukwu Okosi takes a look at the five takeaways from the all action battle at the National Stadium in Dar Es Salaam.

1. Ubani needs a Strike Mate

Golden Eaglets striker Wisdom Ubani has distinguished himself at the ongoing AFCON

The ferocious free kicks, the blistering pace and enormous power reminds us all of the legendary late Rashidi Yekini.

However the striker was most times left isolated in Guinea's opposition half and that made it too easy for the west Africans to mark him out.

2. Physical Guinea

Wednesday's match was a clash of styles. The Guineans mostly depended on their physical strength while Nigeria relied on their technical abilities.

The likes of Wisdom Ubani, Ibraheem Jabaar, Samson Tijani and Akinkunmi Amoo were at the receiving end of bad fouls from the desperate Guineans.

3. Oduko Must Do Defensive Duties First

Left back David Ogaga Oduko who missed the decisive 10th Nigerian penalty kick to hand Guinea a chance to gun for their first title at the cadet competition is a good asset to have when the team is on the front foot attacking the opponents with his incisive runs and crosses.

However when it came to defending as a left back, Oduko is limited. His recovery rate needs to improve. He leaves spaces behind which his teammates cover for him.

4. Sunday Stephen's Fine Performances

Sunday Stephen was not originally the first choice goalkeeper of the Golden Eaglets at this AFCON but Suleman Shaibu.

Impressive performances against Uganda, Angola, and Guinea (in 90 minutes) has seemingly guaranteed Stephen a spot in the team for Brazil 2019 (injury, form, discipline and MRI scan permitting).

Shaibu let in four goals in the nerve wrecking 5-4 win against hosts Tanzania on April 14 which inevitably handed Stephen the gloves subsequently and which he took gleefully with good performances.

5. The Supporters Clubs' Absence

Only a handful of Nigerians hoisting the green and white flag cheered the Golden Eaglets.

There was lack of boisterous band beaters, trumpeters and gospel singers in the stands.

The Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club these days are more interested in politicking and forming new associations rather than primarily doing the job of motivating their darling teams to victories.

Perhaps a little bit more of the support could have brought out a lot more from the Golden Eaglets.

Izuchukwu Okosi