2023 U17 AFCON : Five observations from Golden Eaglets unfortunate defeat to Morocco 

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets are left with no other choice than to make a huge splash of their last group game against South Africa in the ongoing CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria following Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Morocco. 

The Nigerian boys were unfortunate to concede an own goal early in the game but were unable to equalise despite their best efforts. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the game. 

1. Strong Morocco defence 

The Moroccans defended in their numbers and never let the Golden Eaglets ample time on the ball. 

The Nigerian forward players had their moments towards the end of the game but it came to nought. 

2. Long balls

The Golden Eaglets went the route of long balls and were repeatedly repelled by the disciplined Moroccan back line.

Coach Nduka Ugbade would have to psyche up the players and insist on them being ruthless but intentional when going for the kill. 

The players were in a rush to make the passes but ended up misplacing them. Their build up plays were good but the final balls were not 'golden'. 

3. Williams, Abdullahi's chances 

Golden Eaglets duo of Precious Williams and Abubakar Abdullahi were presented with several goal scoring chances but they could not put them away. 

Light Eke, who entered the game as a substitute, saw his late effort parried away for a corner kick. 

The Golden Eaglets would need to take their chances against South Africa as similar situations could spell doom for them in their last group match. 

4. Refereeing decisions 

It took referee Ousmane Diakate 90 minutes to issue the first yellow card to the Moroccans who who on numerous occasions fouled the Nigerian forwards. 

Nigeria central defender Jeremiah Olawale received a first half yellow card for a tackle that was not as bad as most of those committed by the Atlas Cubs. 

5. Defensive help by wing players

Nigeria wing players were keen to offer defensive assistance to the full backs and that helped curtail the forays of the nippy Moroccans. 

The north Africans also had flair players tracking back to lend a hand of help to their full backs. 

More of that is needed against South Africa in their last group game. 
  
    

Izuchukwu Michael

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