Former Flying Eagles captain Ikouwem Udoh has praised the Nigerian U-20 crew’s general efficiency within the current AFCON U20 match however cautioned that their incapacity to constantly convert scoring alternatives might show pricey on the worldwide stage.
Talking because the put together for his or her first recreation on the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, Udoh described the outing as “not unhealthy,” particularly for the reason that major goal of securing a World Cup spot had been achieved.
Udoh underlined that the crew’s play had many positives: resilience, robust work ethic, creativity in assault, and good group. Nonetheless, he emphasised that goal-scoring stays a obtrusive problem.
“We created possibilities however didn’t convert sufficient — that might damage us on the worldwide stage,” he mentioned, urging coaches and handlers to focus extra on ending and the psychology of strikers.
He known as on the Nigerian Soccer Federation (NFF) to make sure the crew will get full assist — financially, technically, and in logistics — in preparation for the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
Based on Udoh, relaxation is vital now, however the actual work should begin instantly: refining ending, sharpening attacking play, and boosting confidence in entrance of purpose.
With out enhancements in scoring, Udoh warns, even gifted groups develop into susceptible in more durable matches the place chances are high fewer and margins razor skinny.
However with work, he believes this U-20 group can develop into “laborious to beat.” The decision is now with the NFF, the crew’s technical employees, and the gamers themselves to show this weak spot into energy earlier than going through the world.
