1. Manu Garba failed
Once again, Manu Garba did not cover himself in glory. His team looked clueless and played without a plan. The boys kept trying to play through the middle, even when it was obvious it was not working. The few times they made any headway, was when they played the ball wide. Garba also made late, pointless substitutions, which had no impact on a lost course.
2. What was the fuss about Iheanacho?
The truth is that Kelechi Iheanacho did not fit into the team in the first game (where they actually played better than today, but lost 4-2 to Brazil). But this is a match where any manager would throw the kitchen sink at the opposition to try and get a result. Iheanacho should have come on, to keep a bit of possession and create. Or isn’t that why he was actually squeezed into the squad, despite arriving late and not taking part in the preparations to the tournament? Sokari, who has been hailed as better than the Manchester City youngster, was the prime culprit for the only goal conceded – and ultimately the winner. He tried to be too clever for his good.
3. The wait continues
Nigeria seems to do better at the U-17 World Cups, as we have won it a couple of times. However, we have not quite managed to win even once at this level and the Flying Eagles’ exit means we have to wait for the next edition.
4. Invincible Manschaft
The Flying Eagles’ conquerors have been in imperious form all tournament. They crushed Fiji 8-1 in their first game, humbled Uzbekistan 3-0 in the next and beat Honduras 5-1 in their last group match. They have now scored 17 times and conceded only twice.
5. African revenge?
Next up for the young Germans is another African opposition, Mali. The West Africans made mince meat of seasoned campaigners Ghana in the round of 16, thrashing them 3-0 in a very efficient display. One will be hoping they can stop the European champions. ‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke
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