AFCON: Eagles have shown tremendous improvement – Izilein

Godwin Izilein, a former coach of the Super Falcons, has commended the Super Eagles for exhibiting character in their current campaign at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

Izilein, who spoke in an interview with the newsmen on Tuesday, said the Eagles have shown flexibility and are now more tactical in their play.

He said that the team can go far in the tournament with more commitment and display of strong character as shown in their last two matches against host Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau.

“We can’t continue to criticise the team especially when we see them doing well. The last two matches have been good for the team as they exhibited a better character in their play.

“In their last two matches, Eagles played with flexibility and were more tactical.

“I have enjoyed the smooth transition of play from the defence, through the midfield and the attack.

“I also want the goalkeeper to continue to talk to the defenders to avoid goals as witnessed against Equatorial Guinea,” he said.

Izilein, however, advised the team handlers not to spoil the trend with players like Alex Iwobi that have not bounded with the team.

He also cautioned Victor Osimhen not to be too anxious to score goals.

“His anxiousness has seen him been caught offside severally. He should be more calculating and move with precision, to avoid being offside,” he added.

Supreme News reports that the Super Eagles booked a place in the round of 16 of the tournament after their lone goal defeat of Guinea Bissau on Monday night.

The Eagles earned seven points from three matches after a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in the first match and a lone goal defeat of host country, Cote d’Ivoire in the second group game.

The team picked its last three points on Monday night following the 1-0 piping of Guinea Bissau in their last Group A encounter.