Flying Eagles win, rue missed chances

Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh
Culled from: Punch

Nigeria U-20 coach John Obuh has admitted his team threw away more chances than they scored in Monday’s 3-0 demolition of Cuba in a FIFA U-20 World Cup Group B match.

“We lost more chances than we scored. This was because of the players’ poor attitude in front of goal,” said Obuh.

“But the most important thing is that we are back in contention (after our first loss to Portugal) and we hope to stay long enough in the competition to correct this problem.”

Skipper Abduljeleel Ajagun said it was crucial that the Flying Eagles beat Cuba.

“It was not an easy match because Cuba gave us a fight but we’re happy we won the three points at stake and will take it from there,” said the Dolphins striker, who has now scored three goals in Turkey thus far.

Cuba coach Raul Gonzalez conceded that Nigeria were superior to his team.

“It was not such a big disappointment for us to lose to Nigeria because Nigeria were better and more effective than us,” he said.

“It was a dream to play at the World Cup and we have gained a lot of experience here as we have had to play against far better teams like Nigeria.”

Nigeria’s 3-0 win was Africa’s first victory at the 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup.

The Flying Eagles went in front after 19 minutes through Umar Aminu, who simply had to tap home a low drive from the left by Olanrewaju Kayode.

That was just two minutes after skipper Abduljaleel Ajagun’s clever chip from distance narrowly missed target.

Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute and again Aminu was the scorer when he stylishly back-heeled home during a goalmouth scramble.

Nigeria’s final Group B match will be against South Korea on Thursday in Istanbul.