The Nigeria U20 team yesterday lost their second test game ahead of the start of the World Youth Championship 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in a game played in Austria.
Prior to the game they drew 3-3 with the U23 team of German Bundesliga side Freiburg in their first test game, however unlike against Freiburg where they came from behind, against Saudi Arabia they threw away a one goal lead to lose 1-2. Henry Offia got the goal for Nigeria.
Owngoalnigeria.com looks at five possible reasons why the team lost yesterday’s game.
1. Poor Finishing – The Nigerian team created chances but fail to make them count particularly in the first half with Banik Ostrava forward Tijani Muhammed failing to match his form in training in the game.
2. Porous Defence : This is a surprise judging by the fact that the strength of the team at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations was their defence but just like it was against Freiburg U23 they conceded two avoidable goals despite playing with their first choice back four.
3. Lack Of Creativity In Midfield – Without the duo of Tom Dele-Bashiru and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru the team looked bereft of idea going forward and that helped Saudi Arabia to push forward and subsequently got the goals that gave them the win.
4. Too Many Fringe Players – The players who played in the game are mostly those fighting to earn a spot in the team or hang on to their spot. The pressure of trying to impress the technical crew led to errors that proved costly.
5. Played Against An Organised Side – Saudi Arabia played like a team that has been together for a while and that gave them an edge against the Nigerians who are still in the process of building a formidable team ahead of the start of the World Youth Championship.
Samuel Paul in Austria
