Nigeria’s Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has taken full responsibility for his team’s 4-0 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
Speaking after the heavy loss, Zubairu admitted that the early goals from the South Americans disrupted his team’s entire game plan.
“The early goal is part of what destabilised us. We conceded a goal very early in the game, and even the second goal came not long after the first,” he said. “I think that was what disrupted our entire approach, but nonetheless, I believe the boys did not display positive character.”
The coach also highlighted the team’s lack of defensive discipline and poor reaction off the ball as major reasons behind the defeat.
“Actually, what I think happened in the match is that our level of fight when we don't have the ball was not enough,” he explained. “That gave the Argentines the opportunity to operate freely, as they saw a lot of space. So, whenever we lose the ball, we are not responding quickly enough.”
Despite the disappointing result, Zubairu maintained a calm tone and shouldered the blame for the loss.
“That’s football; sometimes it is like that. I take the blame. I take full responsibility, not the boys. When they won, they won. So, when they lose today, I accept responsibility,” he concluded.
0 Comments