Nigeria’s Flying Eagles lost 0-1 to Germany on Thursday morning in the knock out round of the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
A 19th minute strike from Levin Oeztunali was all that Germany needed to end the World Cup campaign of the African champions and book a quarter final tie against much improved Malian Under 20 Eagles.
Efforts by the Flying Eagles to overcome the deficit in the second half failed to yield fruits as the team lacked the cutting edge to trouble the fortified German defence line, leaving goalkeeper Marvin Schwaebe to be virtually on holidays.
Flying Eagles coach, Manu Garba, whose tactical decisions, especially in keeping star striker, Kelechi Iheanacho on the bench, described the two defeats suffered by his team as a learning curve. “I believe that our players learnt a lot from this game and a big lesson in general from the tournament. The level at U-20s is far higher than at U-17s and Germany are a very tough and highly tactical team. Our players lost concentration at the crucial moment and this gave the Germans a chance to score. Our goalkeeper played a great game though and may have saved that ball if he had a clear view, but there is nothing we can do now,” Mr. Garba said.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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