’Tana Aiyejina
Former Nigeria defender Taribo West has written off Sudan, saying they are not “technically sound”. He has predicted that the Super Eagles would edge out the North Africans in Wednesday’s semi-final tie at the ongoing 2018 African Nations Championship in Morocco.
Nigeria came back from a goal down to overcome Angola 2-1 in extra time while the Sudanese recorded the biggest upset at the tournament so far, beating Zambia 1-0 to reach the last four of the competition meant for African footballers playing in their home leagues.
The encounter is seen as a matchup between a highly defensive Sudanese side, who have found their way into the last four on the back of a strong defence and a highly creative Nigerian team, who have also been able to march on using sheer determination.
“Sudan have a good side but technically, they are not sound. They will have problems with our players because we keep possession,” Atlanta ’96 Olympics gold medallist Taribo said.
“I watched the Eagles versus Angola in the quarter-finals, it was a tough game but they have been improving and winning all their matches since their opening goalless draw against Rwanda. They need to put in more efforts and take their chances.”
Salisu Yusuf’s side have been largely complacent in front of goal, fluffing begging chances in their four games so far at the tournament.
But Taribo defended the Eagles, saying they didn’t prepare properly for the tournament, thus their struggle for understanding on the pitch.
The former AC Milan defender added, “I believe the preparations they had ahead of the trip to Morocco wasn’t enough. It’s glaring that the midfield lacks understanding with the attack.
“I think it’s normal; when new players emerge, they struggle initially but somehow they’ve been able to carve a niche for themselves at the tournament. As they are winning, their confidence is rising as well.”
Sudan, who are 24 places below Nigeria in the FIFA Africa rankings, defeated Guinea and Mauritania and held hosts Morocco to finish second on goal difference in Group A while the Eagles beat Libya 1-0 and Equatorial Guinea 3-1 after the 0-0 draw against Rwanda.
This Post First Appeared On NewsSplashy | Latest Nigerian News Online
Former Nigeria defender Taribo West has written off Sudan, saying they are not “technically sound”. He has predicted that the Super Eagles would edge out the North Africans in Wednesday’s semi-final tie at the ongoing 2018 African Nations Championship in Morocco.
Nigeria came back from a goal down to overcome Angola 2-1 in extra time while the Sudanese recorded the biggest upset at the tournament so far, beating Zambia 1-0 to reach the last four of the competition meant for African footballers playing in their home leagues.
The encounter is seen as a matchup between a highly defensive Sudanese side, who have found their way into the last four on the back of a strong defence and a highly creative Nigerian team, who have also been able to march on using sheer determination.
“Sudan have a good side but technically, they are not sound. They will have problems with our players because we keep possession,” Atlanta ’96 Olympics gold medallist Taribo said.
“I watched the Eagles versus Angola in the quarter-finals, it was a tough game but they have been improving and winning all their matches since their opening goalless draw against Rwanda. They need to put in more efforts and take their chances.”
Salisu Yusuf’s side have been largely complacent in front of goal, fluffing begging chances in their four games so far at the tournament.
But Taribo defended the Eagles, saying they didn’t prepare properly for the tournament, thus their struggle for understanding on the pitch.
The former AC Milan defender added, “I believe the preparations they had ahead of the trip to Morocco wasn’t enough. It’s glaring that the midfield lacks understanding with the attack.
“I think it’s normal; when new players emerge, they struggle initially but somehow they’ve been able to carve a niche for themselves at the tournament. As they are winning, their confidence is rising as well.”
Sudan, who are 24 places below Nigeria in the FIFA Africa rankings, defeated Guinea and Mauritania and held hosts Morocco to finish second on goal difference in Group A while the Eagles beat Libya 1-0 and Equatorial Guinea 3-1 after the 0-0 draw against Rwanda.
This Post First Appeared On NewsSplashy | Latest Nigerian News Online
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