Nigeria U15s held by Jordan as Future Eagles await first win in Baku

Nigeria’s Future Eagles drew 2-2 with Jordan in their second match at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday morning, leaving them without a victory after two games.

Patrick Bassey’s side again showed attacking promise but were unable to maintain their defensive shape against their Asian opponents. The result means Nigeria have scored five goals in their opening two fixtures but have had to settle for consecutive draws.

Their campaign began with a 3-3 draw against South Sudan on Saturday at the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku. That result, followed by the stalemate with Jordan, has left the Future Eagles still searching for their first success in the tournament.

Nigeria arrived in Baku last Thursday with a 14-man squad and will be disappointed that their attacking output has not yet produced a win. Their forward play has been one of the more encouraging aspects of the opening matches, but defensive errors have allowed opponents to remain in the contest.

Bassey will now be expected to work on the team’s organisation at the back while retaining the attacking threat that has helped Nigeria score in both matches. The coaching staff will have limited time to address those problems before the next fixture.

The Future Eagles are due to face The Gambia on Sunday evening, when they will attempt to convert their promising performances into their first victory of the competition.

Nigeria are then scheduled to meet Cyprus and Pakistan in a double fixture on Monday as their group-stage campaign continues. The team were drawn in Group AD alongside South Sudan, Jordan, The Gambia, Cyprus and Pakistan.

Each participating team has five group-stage matches scheduled. With two draws already recorded, Bassey’s players will be looking to improve defensively and take greater reward from their attacking opportunities in the remaining fixtures.

The matches against The Gambia, Cyprus and Pakistan will provide Nigeria with further opportunities to turn their positive displays into wins while continuing their development at the international youth tournament.