Flying Eagles head coach Paul Aigbogun has assured that his players have learnt from their disappointing defeat to the United States of America and will go all out for a win when they take on Ukraine in their last Group D game at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Ukraine on Thursday, reports Completesports.com.
The Flying Eagles will face the Ukranians who currently top the group on six points after beating USA and Qatar in their first two games of the competition.
The Thursday’s decisive match will hold at the Bielsko Biala Stadium. Kick-off is 7:30 pm.
Aigbogun’s charges started the competition on a winning note thrashing Qatar 4-0, but were brought down to earth by the USA in the second game, going down to a 2-0 defeat.
The two-time finalists sit in second position in Group D with three points and will need to beat the Europeans to stand a chance getting a spot in the Round of 16.
Aigbogun, a former Enyimba coach admits that his players were not at their best in the last game against USA, but assures they have put that beside them and are battle ready for the Ukranians.
“I will say that the early goal we conceded unsettled our players and they were not able to stick to the game plan that was earmarked for them,” Aigbogun told reporters after the team’s training session on Wednesday.
“We were not at our best but we won’t allow this to dampen our morale because the ultimate is to qualify for the next round. We apologise for the defeat but we are assuring Nigerians that they shall see an improved team against Ukraine.”
Aigbogun added: “The boys were not happy with their performance and they were all distraught after the game. They have been told what they must improve on. It was not that they were totally poor against USA, but the goals they scored against us had a telling effect on them and they were unable to recover.”
By Adeboye Amosu
13 Comments
The coach said the boys have put the lose to USA beside them, how I wish they put it behind and not by their side.
Weak excuse from a scholarship coach. Nepotism don rape this country finish.
It will only take a miracle for u to win ur next match against Ukraine bcos nemesis is already catching up with u. This is what u get when u put square pegs in round holes. Lame excuses upon excuses….Wish the sorry team all the best….
Early exit would be saddening
Lest I forget, your mission as the coach of a Nigerian team is to reach the finals and not just qualify for the next round. U need to rid ursef of this mediocritic way of thinking. We’ve passed that stage of playing to qualify for the next round at this level of football. Tell the boys that they must play in the final, get it right into their heads and you’ll see them fighting like wounded lions tomorrow. U need to psyche them up! Listen, football is not all about text book teachings and practices, you as a coach should be able to psyche up ur boys when all hope is lost. In a situation whereby u don’t have anything to offer as a coach technically, use the power of psychology to achieve ur aim.
Yes….They are bouncing back home!
yes ,, like a bouncing baby abiii,,
dis coach head is not correct,,
if he win d match tomorrow I ll give him 20/100,, am so sure he is a 1/100..
tomorrow my claim shall b proven
Next u20 world cup use our local players u will see d Nigerian fighting spirit,years back we see all saw how our local players fared in d u17, u20, & u23, Wise up Naija.
Dear Aigbogun Paul, pls focus on winning the ukraine match because if u lose what is coming may not be palatable not with all d rumour of collecting kick backs from players/agents. all d best sha
He has collected bribe now, so don’t expect any good football. just do today game finish make u come collect ur sack later.
@Aigbogun, I’m not part of those you are deceiving.
Against Qatar we played woefully. We only over came them by our physicality and not tactics.
I have seen Paul’s teams from when he was in charge of insurance of Benin in 2014, they lark finesse. I was particularly surprised when Enyimba announced him as the head coach. Paul may have all the best coaching badges in the world, Joe Moyes also have them, but this has not translated to quality football. There is a total disconnect from Paul’s paper qualifications and on the pitch delivery. His being made coach of the U20 has exposed his inefficiencies to the world in a glaring manner.
If anyone still doubts Paul’s abilities or in abilities, take a look at how this team qualified for the tournament.
I hope the boys lose tomorrow and come home. There must be consequences for poor preparation and Prebendalism. Those are not boys, they are men!!!