){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
POR
){kind=small}
SOF
){kind=small}
MSU
){kind=small}
MUR
){kind=small}
POL
){kind=small}
SHA
){kind=small}
TUF
){kind=small}
KAS
){kind=small}
MAU
){kind=small}
BAN
){kind=small}
KCB
){kind=small}
NAC
){kind=small}
FCT
){kind=small}
AFC
){kind=small}
ULS
){kind=small}
GOM
){kind=small}
BID
){kind=small}
KAK
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=logo}
ATA
){kind=small}
PISA
){kind=logo}
CGL
){kind=small}
FIO
)
An expert highlights a crucial weakness Nigeria’s Flying Eagles need to address after their heartbreaking defeat to South Africa, risking their chance at success. The final domino in their tournament shot to fall.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered a devastating 1-0 defeat to South Africa’s Amajita in the semifinals of the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday, in Egypt, dashing their hopes of lifting the coveted title.
The loss, a heartbreaking blow, has prompted former Super Eagles media officer and respected football analyst Colin Udoh to pinpoint a critical flaw in the team’s setup that may have cost them the match and their tournament aspirations.
)
10:36 - 15.05.2025
Flying Eagles stars replicate Yamal’s ‘Shake Body’ dance after win over Senegal
Flying Eagles players have been seen participating in the popular "Shake Body" dance challenge, started by Lamine Yamal.
PAY ATTENTION: Get N1000 free from Bet9ja
)
18:20 - 14.05.2025
'The target is the trophy' - 15-year-old Flying Eagles goalkeeper vows ahead of semi final clash
Flying Eagles goalkeeper has revealed that they are unstoppable in quest to win U-20 AFCON
The Flying Eagles, led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, entered the semifinal clash on the back of a hard-fought penalty shootout victory over Senegal in the quarterfinals, which also secured their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup.
However, despite dominating possession and playing an aggressive, passing style of football against South Africa, the team failed to capitalise on their opportunities, a weakness Udoh highlighted during the match.
)
Posting on social media as the tense semifinal unfolded, Udoh praised the Flying Eagles’ overall performance but identified a glaring issue: their lack of clinical finishing.
“The more I watch them, the more I like what I see of this Flying Eagles team. They play very good, aggressive, passing football laced with individual invention,” he wrote on X.
)
“If anything is lacking, it is finishing. One or two good strikers and they'll be complete. I hope they see this game out.”
Unfortunately, Nigeria could not “see the game out.” The match, a cagey affair with both teams relying on counter-attacks, remained goalless at halftime.
)
The Flying Eagles were dealt a significant blow early in the second half when their 15-year-old first-choice goalkeeper, Ebenezer Ifeanyi-Harcourt, suffered an injury and was replaced by Ajia Soliu Yakub in the 51st minute.
The turning point came in the 66th minute when South Africa’s Tylon Christopher Smith capitalised on a cross, outjumping Yakub to head home the game’s only goal.
)
Despite Zubairu’s attempts to spark a comeback with substitutions, the Flying Eagles could not find an equaliser, and South Africa held firm to secure the victory.
The defeat marked the final domino in Nigeria’s tournament hopes falling, as they will now shift their focus to the third-place match and preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
)
In the aftermath, Udoh doubled down on his analysis, attributing the loss to the unfortunate injury to Harcourt and a subsequent error by his replacement.
Replying to a comment on social media, he stated, “This SA team were no better. They got lucky with a GK error. If Harcourt had been in goal, this wouldn't have happened.”
)
While acknowledging South Africa’s opportunism, Udoh’s remarks show the fine margins that decided the match and the Flying Eagles’ persistent struggle to convert dominance into goals.
The defeat has exposed a critical area for improvement as Nigeria’s U-20 side looks ahead. Udoh’s assessment of their lack of “one or two good strikers” highlights a missing piece that could have turned their possession and creativity into a winning formula.
)
With the World Cup on the horizon, addressing this weakness will be paramount for Zubairu and his squad to avoid another heartbreaking outcome on the global stage.
For now, the Flying Eagles must regroup and channel their disappointment into securing third place in the AFCON U-20 tournament.
)
However, Udoh’s insights serve as a stark reminder that without sharpening their attacking edge, Nigeria’s talented young stars risk falling short of their immense potential.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)