The Flying Eagles have advanced to the knockout stage of the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland, following their Group D draw against Ukraine on Thursday, 30th May at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium.
Nigerian drew Ukraine 1-1 and qualified into the next round of the tournament as one of the four best third-placed teams, while Ukraine advanced as Group D winners.
Both teams began the game clearly eager to claim the well-sought win. However, Ukraine had the better luck in the first half as Danylo Sikan broke the deadlock in the 30th minute.
With barely one minute to go before halftime, the Flying Eagles had a good chance to return parity to the game from the penalty spot, but Muhamed Tijan sent the ball straight into goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s hands.
Into the restart, the Eagles came out more determined to usurp control of the game, but their tactical strategies were all over the place as it would seem the team hasn’t quite gotten a grasp of calculated football.
In the 51st minute, Nigeria leveled the scores thanks to VAR for flagging an inside the box foul and handing the Eagles another penalty, which Tijan was able to convert properly this time around.
The lackluster show by the Nigerian team could not earn them another goal despite the many opportunities they were able to create, ending the game 1 – 1.
The Eagles were handed a lucky spot in the knockout round, but in order to keep their place in the tournament, a tactical overhaul should be in order.
Poland 2019 standings – FIFA
Featured image source: Complete Sport Nigeria