By Jacob Ajom
Former executive committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amanze Uchegbulam has attributed the 2-4 defeat the Flying Eagles suffered in the hands of their Brazilian counterparts to lack of tactical discipline.

In a chat with Sports Vanguard yesterday, Uchegbulam said, “it was a good match. The boys(Eagles) actually tried and gave it their all. What happened was the case of lack of

Isaac Success (L) of Nigeria celebrates after he scores his teams first goal of the game during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Group E match between Nigeria and Brazil held at Stadium Taranaki on June 1, 20

concentration, a trait that is typical of our senior players – lack of tactical discipline.”

Uchegbulam further observed, “in terms of individual skills, our players matched them and if they had utilised the chances they created, they would have beaten the Brazilians. They created more chances, but the Brazilians were quicker on the ball and more exposed.”

Uchegbulam faulted Coach Manu Garba’s three-pronged attacking option which saw Isaac Success, Taiwo Awoniyi and Iheanacho starting the game. “I though either Success or Awoniyi should have started from the bench. Starting all three was counterproductive as it turned out. But it is a gradual process.”

Uchegbulam advised coach Manu Garba to psyche the players up and tell them to be more clinical in front of goal. “That is the only way through which they can survive the group. They have a good team and I believe they will progress,” he said.