Good Start from John Obuh's U-20 Eagles

Five thumping goals scored and none conceded is as good a start as could be wished in tournament football.

But we must be careful to keep things in perspective; not so much because Guatemala were such poor opposition but largely the fact that the ultimate goal an U-20 tournament is to serve as a supply line to the full national team.

Accordingly, the progress of the Flying Eagles in Colombia must always be co-measured in terms of how many new genuine prospects are staking a valid claim for a future senior team shirt or a new contract.

Afterall, what does it profit a country's football to win the Golden Shoe and FIFA World Youth Championship most valuable player trophy and end up in  Karşıyaka S.K. who play in Bank Asya 1. Lig, Turkey's second-tier league like Ghana's Dominic Adiyah...

Four top prospects are at the core of this team: Ahmed Musa, who has already broken into the Super Eagles, Ramon Azeez in central midfield, and the two centerbacks Omeruo and Ogungbe.

John Obuh has setup his team well, but the challenge is to enforce organizational discipline in the heat of match. With first game jitters behind them, I expect a more disciplined performance going forward.

In defence, the use of Emmanuel Anyanwu, a centerback at right back, a position of acute need in the Super Eagles, does not in any way advance the cause of the national team. This is made worse by the use of Suswan, a right back at the left back position, which creates an imbalance for the Flying Eagles and denies Nigeria a chance to develop the talented Suswan in his natural position.

In central defence, Gani Ogungbe's speed, power and athleticism stands out, as is his tendency to go to ground too often, which led to a yellow card.

In midfield, the use of Ajagun and Azeez ahead of Daniel creates a hole in central midfield as the latter is made to sit. A more clever team will exploit this undefended zone.

In attack, Obuh's 2nd half tactical change in allowing Kayode more space to attack from wide right liberated the player and vastly improved his performance. What this suggests in my opinion is that the qualities of the front trio of Kayode, Musa and Edafe are constrained by being forced into fixed positions.

Perhaps a case can be made for a 'false 9', with all front three alternating? Perhaps....