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U20 AFCON: What Nigeria’s Flying Eagles did right and wrong against Tunisia

12 hours ago
by naijaonpoint
20241030 115111

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles got off to a winning start at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Tunisia, thanks to a moment of individual brilliance from Auwal Ibrahim, Footynaija.com reports.

But while the scoreboard at Cairo’s June 30 Stadium reflected a positive start to their Group B campaign, the overall performance left more questions than answers.

This was a result that masked structural flaws – a win earned more by flashes of quality and resilience than by sustained dominance.

Tunisia, who offered little in attack, were still able to trouble Nigeria late on. Against a clinical Moroccan side who just put three past Kenya, these errors could prove fatal.

Here’s a detailed, honest look at what the Flying Eagles did right – and what must change before they face Morocco on Sunday.

1. RIGHT: Auwal’s spark ignites hope

It was the 36th minute when Auwal Ibrahim produced the game’s standout moment – a goal that combined technique, intelligence and ruthless execution.

The move started innocently enough: a long ball from the back found Odinaka Okoro on the left. His low cross lacked venom but fell kindly. Auwal’s first touch wrong-footed two Tunisian defenders, and with a calm finish, he slotted past the keeper.

It was a classic No. 10’s goal – awareness, balance, and execution under pressure. In a game low on chances, it was a moment of rare class. Auwal looked a level above – and rightly earned Man of the Match.

2. RIGHT: Harcourt stood tall when it mattered

While Auwal made the difference in attack, Ebenezer Harcourt was Nigeria’s last line of defence – and he delivered.

Twice in the second half, the young goalkeeper pulled off close-range saves that preserved Nigeria’s narrow lead. These weren’t routine stops – they were reflex saves made under intense pressure.

Harcourt was vocal, assured, and read Tunisia’s few threats well. His command of the box also stood out, offering confidence to a backline that was organised but occasionally under strain.

3. WRONG: Midfield balance and ball retention

This was where Nigeria faltered most. The Flying Eagles couldn’t retain possession in key moments and often resorted to hurried clearances. Tunisia took control of midfield spells in both halves, with gaps appearing between Nigeria’s lines.

There was no clear link between defence and attack – a playmaker or deep-lying ball progressor was sorely missed. As a result, counter-attacks lacked rhythm, and build-up play was choppy.

Zubairu may need to consider adding a ball-playing midfielder – someone with vision and calmness under pressure – if Nigeria are to match Morocco’s technical quality in the middle.

4. WRONG: Ineffective final third play

Nigeria had more possession and better territory, but made it count far too infrequently. Aside from Auwal’s goal, the front line lacked cohesion. The wide players showed bursts of pace but failed to deliver quality crosses or link effectively with the central striker.

Only one shot on target in the first half tells its own story.

With Morocco likely to defend deeper and counter at speed, Nigeria must sharpen their movement and decision-making in the final third. Better timing, more support runs, and less isolation for the frontman will be key.

5. WRONG: Turnovers that invite trouble

As the match wore on, Nigeria became casual in midfield. Loose touches, risky passes, and a drop in intensity allowed Tunisia to gain ground. The Flying Eagles lost shape in transitions, and only poor finishing – along with Harcourt’s saves – saved them from embarrassment.

Against Morocco’s sharp transition play, particularly from Yassir Zabiri and Reda Laalaoui, such sloppiness could be punished heavily.

Three points are three points. And in tournament football, a winning start can make all the difference.

But Nigeria’s performance against Tunisia was far from convincing. Auwal’s brilliance, Harcourt’s reliability, and defensive discipline offered promise – yet the overall team display lacked control, invention, and fluency.

Aliyu Zubairu’s next task is far tougher. Morocco have momentum, confidence, and goals in them. To get a result, Nigeria must show more maturity on the ball, cut out midfield errors, and offer far more threat in attack.

The Flying Eagles have liftoff – but whether they soar or stall will be determined by what happens next in Cairo.

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