U-20 AFCON: Aigbogun Focuses On Nigeria Vs Niger After Draw Vs South Africa

Flying Eagles head coach Paul Aigbogun says the team has moved on from Tuesday’s disappointing 0– 0 draw with the Amajita of South Africa in their Group A clash at the 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and now focused on the next clash against hosts Niger, reports Completesports.com.

Aigbogun’s men were denied an early chance to secure a place in the last four and book a ticket to the FIFA U -20 World Cup in Poland by their spirited South African opponents who shut them out for the entire duration of the game.

The Flying Eagles had 66% of the ball possession and 13 shots on target, but they found the defence as well as goalkeeper and skipper Kubeka unbeatable.

It was a story of wave after wave of Nigerian attacks against South Africa’s resolute defence.

In the dying minutes, a pile-driver by midfielder Jamil Mohammed from the edge of the box was saved by Kubeka.

Also Read: AVERAGE SHOWING: Flying Eagles’ Rating Vs South Africa

And Aigbogun reckons that good discipline in Amajita’s play derailed the Flying Eagles’ ambition of reaching the knockout stages of this continental tournament after two group games.

“We actually came into this encounter hoping for a win,” Aigbogun told reporters after the game against South Africa.d

“However, we played against a very strong side who were very organized in how they approached this match and were consistent in their performance.

“We will take this point and try to do our utmost best in our upcoming group game.”

Nigeria still lead Group A with four points, while Niger and South Africa occupy second and third positions respectively with two points. Burundi are bottom with one point.

The Flying Eagles final group game is against the host nation Niger on Friday, while South Africa will face Burundi.

By Adeboye Amosu