Five Takeaways From Super Eagles Hard-Fought 1-0 Victory Against AFCON Debutants Burundi
Published: June 22, 2019The Super Eagles began their campaign in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with a laboured 1-0 win over the Swallows of Burundi.
1. Poor Delivery In Final Third
The Eagles dominated possession but their finishing in the first half left much to be desired.
The transition from defence to attack was slow and the wastefulness almost cost them.
2. Akpeyi Saves Nigeria's Blushes
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi who has usurped Francis Uzoho as Nigeria's first choice goalkeeper made some outstanding saves which helped in the way the game panned out.
Had Burundi scored first, the outcome of the match might have been different as that could have boosted the confidence level if the debutants.
3. Inspired Substitutions By Rhor
The introduction of the duo of Ahmed Musa and Idion Ighalo for John Mikel Obi and Paul Onuachu worked a trick.
Those subs brought bite to an hitherto insipid attack and it instantly showed that Musa and Ighalo could have scored or created goal scoring chances than the two players they replaced.
4. Ola Aina and Jamilu Collins' Conundrum
Torino FC left wing back Ola Aina had a barnstorming performance against Burundi and capped his efforts with THAT no look pass for Ighalo's well struck goal.
The back heel was exquisite - and he meant it - it was not a fluke.
The performance on the night throws up a bit of debate over who should play at left back between the former Chelsea boy and Paderborn of Germany's Jamilu Collins.
5. Ndidi's Lost Balls
Uncharacteristic of the Leicester City midfielder but it was not the best of matches for Wilfred Ndidi who was guilty of giving away the balls in midfield.
Hopefully it is going to be a one off and Nigerians will see a better Ndidi against Guinea on Wednesday.
Izuchukwu Okosi
Photo Credit : cafonline.com
Latest News
- Transfer expert names two players Chelsea could use as makeweights in proposed deal for Osimhen
- Club president dispels rumours linking ex-Chelsea, Spurs boss Conte with coaching job at Osimhen's Napoli
- Leeds United set up Championship playoff final against either Aribo's Southampton or Ajayi's West Brom
- WAFU B U17 Championship: Five observations from Golden Eaglets' goalless draw against Burkina Faso
- Door closed: Borussia Dortmund star Adeyemi cap-tied to Germany, not eligible for Super Eagles call-up
- WAFU B U17 Championship Nigeria 0 Burkina Faso 0: Woodwork denies Golden Eaglets victory
- Liverpool academy product Sheyi Ojo likely to leave Cardiff City this summer
- Manchester United risk missing out on Tosin with future of Ten Hag up in the air
- Napoli share fresh update on Osimhen that will worry Finidi, any Super Eagles fan
- EFL new boys Chesterfield on brink of deal for Arsenal youth product Tim Akinola
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football