The Nigeria U23 team will later today aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit suffered in the first leg against Sudan in the final round of qualifiers for the tournament which is the qualifiers for the Olympic games in Tokyo next year.
Owngoalnigeria.com watched the first game and ahead of the second leg of the encounter takes a look at five things coach Imama Amapakabo must do in order to beat the Sudanese team.
1. Early Goal – Just as it was in the first game where the team didn’t take their chances with Taiwo Awoniyi and Steven Odey the guilty culprit. Taking their chances when they get them early in the game will no doubt open the floodgates for more goals.
2. Drop Lazarus – In the first leg tie against Sudan, the full backs contributed nothing going forward and were both missing when Sudan scored the only goal of the game. Although Ebube Duru improved in the second half, John Lazarus wasted good chances to whip in telling balls into the box, something Etboy Akpan can do if he gets the nod to start. Moreso as width provided by full backs will be crucial with Sudan expected to be lined up with a defensive set up.
3. Play Ndidfreke Close To The Striker – Playing Ndidfreke Effiong in the number ten role backfired spectacularly in the first leg. His best position is behind the main striker meaning one of either Stephen Odey or Taiwo Awoniyi will drop to the bench.
4. Make Better Use Of Set Piece – Sudan didn’t look quite settled when Nigeria had the chance to whip in balls from set piece situation, the only thing was that Nigeria didn’t make it count. If they can do that they will be home and dry even before the half hour mark.
5. Frank Onyeka Has To Play – At FC Midtjylland he is rated as the best in the middle and among the best in Denmark but he sat out the entire game away to Sudan. The reason could be that he had limited training time but that is now a thing of the past and a chance to play as part of the midfield three will help open spaces for the forwards to pounce.
