2013 FIFA U-20 Match Preview: Korea vs. Nigeria

The upcoming match between Korea and Nigeria is shaping up to be a tight one.

For one, both teams proved that they can give tournament favorite Portugal a run for its money. Korea surprised the European team with a come-from-behind draw, thanks to the efforts of Kim Hyun and Ryu Seungwoo. Nigeria didn’t do so bad against Bruma and Alberto Aladje’s team either, though the Flying Eagles weren’t fortunate enough to overcome their 2-3 loss to Portugal.

Nigeria, who has appeared in this championship nine times, also has Abdul Ajagun and Aminu Umar to rely on for their scoring needs. There’s also Kayode Olarenwaju who’ll serve as the perfect support for these two. As for Korea, they have a cohesive lineup in the shape of Hyun, Seungwoo, Sim Sangmin, and Han Sunggyu. The last two made the beautiful play which enabled Hyun to make a nice goal.

The Flying Eagles may have better firepower, but the Koreans have a deeper team. As long as Nigeria doesn’t keep missing goals the way it did against Cuba, they’ll do just fine against the Asian team. The June 27 match may end up in a draw, or a win in favor of Nigeria.

 Photo credit: kandschwar (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Spain Advances to Semifinals with 3-0 Over Nigeria

Despite an aggressive first-half play by their opponents, Spain cruised to the semi-finals with a 3-0 win against Nigeria last Sunday in Fortaleza.

Nigeria, led by Ahmed Musaab, kept Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes on his feet with seven scoring opportunities, an incredible feat against La Roja. Spain wasn’t its usual formidable self, and missed several goals in the first half.

The red-and-yellow team was fortunate in that Nigeria couldn’t take advantage of their scoring opportunities as well. Still, the green team’s defenses were no match for the Spanish attack led by Jordi Alba and Fernando Torres.

Alba scored the first goal in the match three minutes into it after a superb pass from Andres Iniesta. Striker Roberto Soldado, for his part, failed to extend Spain’s 1-0 lead over Nigeria at halftime.

On the Nigerian side, Jospeh Ideye took a dribble from Efe Ambrose, but couldn’t convert it into a goal seven minutes before halftime. Also, Mohammed Gambo missed a scoring chance courtesy of Musaab at the 73th minute.

Soldado was replaced by Torres at the 60^th minute. The Chelsea striker caught a well-executed cross from Pedro to score the match’s second goal, which is also Torres’ fifth out of six goal attempts in the 2013 Confederations Cup.

In no time at all, Spain took over the role of aggressor. At the 88^th minute, Alba sealed Nigeria’s fate with a goal that was his second and Spain’s third.

Coach Vicente del Bosque’s team will face Italy Thursday evening for the semifinals.

Photo credit: Steindy (talk) 13:11, 13 July 2010 (UTC) (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Forlan Marks 100th Cap As Uruguay Win Against Nigeria

Diego Forlan celebrated his 100th cap with style as he clinched Uruguay’s 2-1 victory against Nigeria at Arena Fonte Nova.

Forlan snatched the lead when he converted a cross from Edinson Cavani during the 51st minute. Yet, more important than the triumph is the fact that Forlan is now joining Italy’s Andrea Pirlo in the list of players who have had 100 caps.

After a disappointing defeat against Spain, La Celeste is now pitted to advance in the Confederations Cup.

The Super Eagles had several attempts to force a draw. But their efforts remained futile. Stephen Keshi and his men was unable to retain the momentum they had during the Tahiti encounter.

Uruguay’s full control showed early on the match. Diego Lugano finished Cavani’s failed backheel to get the upper-hand in the 19th minute.

Nigeria answered quickly when John Obi Mikel scored on the 37th. Unfortunately, the Super Eagles failed to recover when Forlan scored the deciding shot.

La Celeste’s recent win makes them a strong contender to join Spain in the semis. The latter had already secured a record-breaking win (10-0) against Tahiti.

As for Nigeria, Stephen Keshi and his squad has no other option but to beat the incumbent World Cup champion, should they wish to remain in the tournament. Certainly, it will be an uphill battle for the Super Eagles. Spain benefitted from the 10-0 win and only needs a point to advance. Should they (Nigeria) lose, this will end their Confederations Cup stint in Brazil.

While Nigeria is in deep trouble for facing Spain, Uruguay can relax a bit. The latter will go against the crowd-favorite, Tahiti.



Photo Credit: Zimbio

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Tahiti Steals The Limelight During Nigeria’s 6-1 Victory

Nigeria claimed its first victory in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup as they ravaged Tahiti with a 6-1 triumph in Belo Horizonte last 18 June 2013.

In one of the Confederations Cup’s finest moments, Nnamdi Oduamadi raked a hat trick for the Super Eagles. Nevertheless, it was Jonathan Tehau’s historic shot that highlighted the match.

Tehau, scored Team Fenua’s first goal in the said tournament. The memorable header came during the 54th minute and the minnows’ refusal to throw in the white towel was more than enough to set the whole crowd roar in awe.

Tahiti is literally a new player in the tournament. With the Oceania trophy under its belt, the squad earned its spot in the Confederations Cup. The team that was only watched by a hundred of people was welcomed with a warm celebration by millions.

Euphoric, indeed, it was a euphoric encounter for Team Fenua. The goal shone a glimmer of hope for the underdogs. As stated by team captain Nicolas Vallar, the squad never expected to pull off a great show against Spain, however, the goal against Nigeria boosted the team’s morale.

On the other hand, Nigeria’s big boss, Stephen Keshi was also impressed by Tahiti’s performance. Keshi acknowledged the great fight exemplified by the team. He stressed that while it is true that Nigeria had the advantage, Team Fenua fought like “lions” and that they are a strong force to reckon with.

After the battle against Nigeria, Tahiti is set to meet the World Cup Champions, Spain.



Photo Credit: Zimbio

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2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Match Preview: Nigeria vs. Uruguay

In the Uruguay vs. Nigeria match on June 21 (June 20, 16:00 Salvador time), we’ll see veteran experience battle it out with youthful energy.

Uruguay is still smarting from its 1-2 loss against Spain, but it may have a better chance of winning against Nigeria. Going against football behemoths can teach your team a thing or two about playing high-intensity football, after all.

The South American football club has excellent strikers in Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez. Nigeria, meanwhile, has formidable midfielders John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi. If the teams’ respective coaches utilize these players to their fullest potential, this underrated match can prove to be one of the most exciting to watch.

While we’re on the subject of coaches, Oscar Tabarez of Uruguay and Stephen Keshi of Nigeria deserve spots in the limelight, too. Tabarez likes to use the 4-4-1-1 formation, but he occasionally shifts towards 3-5-2, 4-4-2, and 4-3-3; likewise, Keshi’s 4-3-3 system for his players isn’t likely to change soon, considering how Nigeria fared with it.

In terms of overall strengths and weaknesses, Uruguay has the advantage of experience, while Nigeria has the advantage of youth. Eight of the Uruguayans are at least 30 years old, so despite their decreased mobility on the field, they can serve as guides to the other players. On the flip side, Nigeria may have younger and more energetic players, but their relative inexperience could work against them.

This match may be what Uruguay needs to boost the ego that Spain bruised—or not.  

Photo credit: Football.ua [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons 

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Match Preview: Tahiti VS. Nigeria, Confederations Cup

Date: 18 June 2013
Venue: Estadio Minerao
Prediction: Nigeria Wins First Confederations Cup Battle


Experience will play a major part in the Super Eagles’ impending win against Team Fenua this 18 June 2013 at Estadio Minerao.

Nigeria surprised everybody when it won the Africa Cup of Nation this January. Currently, the Super Eagles has the momentum. They’ve shown it in the World Cup Qualifiers where the hold the top spot of Group F. Needless to say, this momentum will most likely continue in the Confederations Cup.

On the other hand, Tahiti also has its share of victorious moments to talk about. Team Fenua was last year’s Oceania Nations Cup champs. But still, this is not at par with what Nigeria went through and has to go through.

Nigeria’s qualifier encounters prepared them for the match. As for the case of Tahiti, they arrived first in Brazil, but they don’t have that friendly battles to warm them up for the big fight.

Despite of the fact that the Super Eagles will be enduring a battle fatigue when they arrive at Brazil, this neither gives Team Fenua the advantage. Just recently, Stephen Keshi made a drastic change in its starting XI. For the Confederations Cup, Keshi shall be including four (4) uncapped players in the match.

The above-mentioned move is enough to give the Super Eagles a fresh leg in the tournament. Not only that, it gives balance to the team. The uncapped players shall yield the team’s physical strength while the veterans, packed with talent and skill, shall ensure their victory. Although, this is more likely perceived as Keshi’s way of preserving his men for the battle against Namibia, this is nonetheless, a formidable approach than throwing the white towel.

Nigeria stands as favorites in this match, there’s no question about it. As a matter of fact, even in online bookies, Asian handicaps are already given to Tahiti.

Photo Credit: Connect Nigeria

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