Nigeria’s Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi has revealed the key factors behind his standout performance in the goalless draw against Morocco at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Bayelsa United defender was named man of the match following an intense and tactical encounter that saw both sides fail to break the deadlock.
His leadership was instrumental in Nigeria’s defensive solidity throughout the game. He played a crucial role in organising the backline, completing 75 touches and 59 passes with a success rate of 72.9 per cent. His performance ensured that goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was hardly tested, as Morocco failed to register a shot on target.
Bameyi credited his performance to the collective effort of his teammates and the tactical guidance from the coaching staff.
“It was a good performance, and I have to give respect to the opposing team as well as my teammates,” Bameyi said. “It was an intense game because both teams understood what was at stake, and we give God all the glory for how the match went.”
When asked about his individual contribution, Bameyi highlighted the preparation that led to his impressive display. He explained that the coaching staff had studied Morocco’s tactics and used that knowledge to guide Nigeria’s approach on the pitch.
“Kudos to the coaches, who had the chance to study the opponents and their tactics. We implemented that plan well during the match, and it worked. We thank God for that,” he added.
Although the Flying Eagles could not claim a victory, Bameyi’s individual performance in the heart of defence and his leadership on the pitch did not go unnoticed, and he remains grateful for the recognition. “I am very grateful, thank you very much,” he concluded.
The draw leaves Nigeria and Morocco both level on four points in Group B, as they head into their final matches with a chance to earn a place in the knockout stages of the competition facing Kenya and Tunisia respectively on Wednesday.