The Path Chosen by the Flying Eagles

The Path Chosen by the Flying Eagles

In the early hours of 7 June 2015, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria qualified for the round 16 elimination stage in the FIFA U-20 world cup, thanks to the two-goal hero, Taiwo Awoniyi. Congratulations! Everyone is rejoicing, yes; however, in our qualification, we will be facing Germany in the next round. Most Nigerians became worried over this encounter, given that the Germans are European champions, and they have scored more goals than any other team in this tournament.

TAwoniyi celebrates his first goal

The Nigerian Flying Eagles are African champions and they lost their first competitive match as a group to Brazil since the conquering the world in the FIFA U-17 world cup two years ago.  This loss to me was due to lackadaisical approach to the match by the youngsters, the midfield lacked cohesion defensively and the attackers were too stylish and without killer-instinct especially Iheanacho and Yahaya. Both players were eventually replaced in the course of the game by Coach Manu Garba; also, they were sat on the bench as potential substitutes in the subsequent matches as well – good tactical and psychological act by Coach Manu Garba.

Nevertheless, the issue here today is not the lost reputation of the Flying Eagles as being invincible; it is about the path chosen by the Flying Eagles in this tournament. Prior to the match between Nigeria and Hungary today, Germany ensured that they topped Group F and this meant that the team that finishes second to Brazil in Group E will face Germany and the third in Group E could still qualify as one of the best four thirds. A details analysis into the qualification of the best thirds meant that both Nigeria and Hungary has already qualified prior to their encounter.

Below is the ranking of the potentials thirds from all groups in the FIFA U-20 World Cup before the match between Nigeria and Hungary.

Group	TEAMS	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	+/-	Pts	Ranking
A	NEW ZEALAND	3	1	1	1	5	5	0	4	1
D	MALI	3	1	1	1	3	3	0	4	2
C	SENEGAL	3	1	1	1	3	5	-2	4	3
E	HUNGARY	2	1	0	1	6	3	3	3	4
E	NIGERIA	2	1	0	1	6	4	2	3	5
F	HONDURAS	3	1	0	2	5	11	-6	3	6
B	ARGENTINA	3	0	2	1	4	5	-1	2	7

Note that there are only six groups in the tournament; however, there are seven teams involved in this comparison. This is because both Nigeria and Hungary are in the same group, thus either team could qualify as second or third in Group E.

Both teams had already qualified mathematically before the match; the only case for either team not to qualify will be if Hungary lost to Nigeria by a margin of ten goals or if Nigeria lost to Hungary by a margin of nine goals. If both teams drew, they still qualify.

Why am I concerned about the path chosen by the Flying Eagles? I am concerned because the Flying Eagles won the match so as to become second in the group; however, they will be playing the match of the lives against a formidable opposition – Germany. They could have chosen the easy route by qualifying as third and play a team of less reputation; but they chose to win, they chose to be second, they chose to play against the big guns. It is said that only a quality opposition can prove the strength and triumph of a gladiator.

Below is the ranking of the thirds from all groups in the FIFA U-20 World Cup after the match between Nigeria and Hungary.

Group	TEAMS	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	+/-	Pts	Ranking
A	NEW ZEALAND	3	1	1	1	5	5	0	4	1
D	MALI	3	1	1	1	3	3	0	4	2
C	SENEGAL	3	1	1	1	3	5	-2	4	3
E	HUNGARY	3	1	0	2	6	5	1	3	4
F	HONDURAS	3	1	0	2	5	11	-6	3	5
B	ARGENTINA	3	0	2	1	4	5	-1	2	6

Note that all African teams in this tournament made it the Round of 16; the only drawback is that there is a déjà vu for Ghana and Mali.  Ghana will play against Mali, both teams met twice during the CAF U-20 tournament held earlier this year; Mali defeated Ghana during the group stage 1:0, and Ghana defeated Mali in the Third-place match 3:1.

Iron sharpens iron, the game against the Germans will be another test for the Flying Eagles; they ought to win, so as to restore their reputation. They must approach this game with the best of tactics and physicality. The Germans are very good offensively and defensively, the Flying Eagles are good offensively and defensively as well, it this time for the Flying Eagles to soar to the skies.