Former Nigeria U-23 forward Emmanuel Okoduwa believes the best of the Super Eagles is still to come following their impressive 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday at the Fes Stadium in Morocco.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa after the match, Okoduwa praised the depth in the squad and expressed confidence that the team can make Nigerians proud as the tournament progresses.
“When I saw the lineup, I was impressed, and I felt the coach did the right thing by starting some new faces since the team had already gone through,” he said.
“Those players also did well in my estimation, which shows there is quality in the squad because they were able to win convincingly.”
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However, the former striker admitted he was unhappy with the goal conceded, especially given the numerical advantage Nigeria enjoyed.
“I was unhappy with the goal we conceded, especially since the Ugandans were playing with a man less. We should have controlled the game and killed it off,” Okoduwa added.
“I do not like the kind of goals we have conceded in this tournament. I hope the coach will sit with them and work out a good defensive format for the team.”
Despite those concerns, Okoduwa was full of praise for the overall quality on display and singled out debutant Ryan Alebiosu for special mention:
“But despite the little flaws, you can see the quality in the team, and I really like the new boy, the one from Blackburn Rovers. He did well and will definitely challenge for a starting position now.”
After topping the group with two wins from two games, the Super Eagles were already assured of a place in the Round of 16, prompting head coach Eric Chelle to make wholesale changes to his side for the final group game against the Cranes.
Blackburn Rovers right-back Ryan Alebiosu made his international debut, with Calvin Bassey and Victor Osimhen the only players retained from the starting line-ups of the previous two matches.
Nigeria took the lead in the 28th minute through Paul Onuachu, following a slick team move that ended with Dele-Bashiru squaring the ball perfectly for the Trabzonspor striker to finish calmly.
Uganda’s substitute goalkeeper, Jamal Salim, who had come on for the injured Dennis Onyango, was sent off in the 58th minute for deliberate handball, a moment that swung the momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour.
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Two goals in five minutes from Raphael Onyedika extended Nigeria’s lead to 3-0 before Mato pulled one back for Uganda to reduce the deficit.
Nigeria comfortably saw out the remainder of the game to complete the group stage with a perfect record, finishing on nine points.
Nigeria will now await confirmation of their Round of 16 opponents, with Mozambique currently looking the most likely matchup.
