Former Green Eagles winger, Adegoke Adelabu, has given the Flying Eagles a tip on how to overcome former champions, Argentina, in their round of 16 clash at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The Flying Eagles, in the early hours of yesterday, booked their place in the Round of 16 after holding Colombia to a 1-1 draw in Talca.
The seven-time African champions earlier lost their opening match to Norway before beating Saudi Arabia in their second group game. Yesterday morning, the Nigerians put up a spirited display at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, showing resilience and character to come from behind and secure the crucial point that ensured their passage to the knockout stage.
With the result, the Flying Eagles will face six-time world champions Argentina in tomorrow’s Round of 16 clash at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago.
Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Coach Adegoke, a sports scientist, said that the Flying Eagles must use a different approach in the game against Argentina.
“For the Flying Eagles to sneak into the Round of 16 through the back door (best losers) means something is wrong somewhere,” Adelabu said. “In the Round of 16, there is no room for a second chance, and so, they must approach the match with different tactics.
“Our players these days use all their energy running after the ball. No, it doesn’t work that way. Allow the ball to do the running, while you watch out for chances to score goals. The Flying Eagles must stop Argentina from playing. That means, they have to do more of wing play. In my days, we worked more from the wings, got the ball into the box for the strikers to finish the job.”
The former IICC of Ibadan winger, who later managed EKO United FC, added: “We know South Americans for their fast-paced football. But Nigeria is not a pushover. To beat Argentina, our boys must be strategic on Wednesday. They did it before, and Nigeria can do it again.”
