I see great potential in CHAN 2016 Super Eagles, former coach says

A former national under-17 male team coach, Godwin Izilein, says there is great potential in Super Eagles players with the team’s performance at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN). Izilein told reporter on Saturday in Benin that the team had done well in the championship in spite Friday’s 1-1 draw with Tunisia. National Daily Sport reports that the team had beaten Niger Republic 4-1 in their first match on Monday at the championship holding in Rwanda.

“The team’s pattern of playing reminded me of the exploits of the Super Eagles of 1994. Their aggressiveness, mobility and cohesion are commendable,’’ he said. Izilein said he was not surprised with the team playing a draw with Tunisia, pointing out that Nigeria played a similar pattern with the North African team. The former coach said he had expected Nigeria to be more aggressive in their opponents’ penalty box in order to emerge victorious.

“I warned before the match that we needed to be aggressive in our opponents’ vital area for us to win, because of the similar pattern we played. “And, again, I had expected Chisom Chikatara to play from behind the top striker, instead of being played top man.

“His performance against Niger had placed him in the eye of the opponents, especially the defenders. This would have afforded him the opportunity to swing surprises and assist the team to win,’’ he said. Izilein, however, commended Chikatara who scored three goals against Niger Republic, saying the Abia Warriors FC forward was a player to watch out for in future. “He is a wonderful player and we should watch out for him,’’ he said.

National Daily reports that Nigeria’s next match is against Guinea who have so far played 2-2 draws with Tunisia and Niger Republic. Nigeria now have four points from the two games they have played so far.