Coach Ladan Bosso must have his thinking cap on before the Flying Eagles open their U20 World Cup quest Sunday against the Dominican Republic after Colombia again exposed his team’s defence in a final warm-up match Tuesday night.
The Flying Eagles also conceded twice against the reserves of Argentine team Club Almirante Brown at the weekend.
On Tuesday night, Colombia, who started an experimental side, further exposed the weaknesses in the Flying Eagles back four of goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso, fullbacks Solomon Agbalaka and skipper Daniel Bameyi as well as the central defence pair of Benjamin Frederick and Abel Ogwuche.
Bulgaria-based Tochukwu Nnadi started at defensive midfield.
The Flying Eagles defence was the team’s strongest department at the U20 AFCON in Egypt in March after they only conceded two goals in five matches.
But Tuesday night Sweden-based central defender Abel Ogwuche scored an own goal to give Colombia an early lead.
The team then let in a second goal from the penalty spot after a foul inside their own box.
Colombia scored a third goal early in the second half courtesy of Watford winger Yaser Asprilla, who was one of several regulars introduced after the break.
However, Bosso could take some consolation that his strike force led by Bulgaria-based striker Emmanuel Umeh is firing just as the defence is leaking goals.
Umeh scored his second goal in Argentina Tuesday night to draw the Flying Eagles level at 3-3.
This was after he grabbed the winner against Club Almirante Brown at the weekend.
Wingers Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’ and Jude Sunday also hit target against Colombia to give hope they have goals in their boots at this World Cup even if goals are also going in at the other end of the pitch.
