Lagos – Football enthusiasts on Thursday praised the Flying Eagles 4-0 victory over North Korea but advised the team to remain focus in their next match at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The Flying Eagles bounced back in their second leg group E match after losing to Brazil 4-2 in their opening match.

Some of the enthusiasts who spoke said that the team gave a brilliant performance in the match, urging them to increase their pace against Hungary.

Tayo Balogun, a sport analyst said that the team had learnt from their mistakes at the opening match against Brazil.

Balogun said that the match against North Korea was played tactically and with all seriousness, considering what was at stake for the country.

“I am impressed by what they played and they played like the Golden Eaglets I used to know. They were focused and utilised all available chances.

“It was a good idea that Manu Garba did not allow Kelechi Iheanachu to play in the match. Iheanachu needed time to study and see how his team mates were playing.

“The player did not have time to train well with his compatriots and that was one of the things that caused us our loss against Brazil,’’ he said.

Wahidi Akanni, a member of the Moscow 85’ U-20 bronze medal squad, said that the team played as an entity, noting that they were beginning to understand each other.

“The team is getting better and I am satisfied with the outcome of the match, which has brought relief to the country,’’ he said.

Akanni advised the team to be more proactive in the midfield and beef up the defence against Hungary in their next match.

Festus Allen, a former coach of 3SC of Ibadan, charged the team to go all out in their next encounter with Hungary and win convincingly.

“They should not be complacent in their next match which will be a crucial match that will decide our fate in the competition,’’ he stressed.

Felix Owolabi, an ex-international said that the team’s victory against North Korea should be a morale booster for the players in their next battle against Hungary.

Owolabi advised Coach Manu Garba to fortify the team ahead of its last group match with Hungary, noting that it would not be an easy encounter for the Flying Eagles.

“Our match against Hungary will not be easy, Garba need to do more work on the midfield and defence, so that the team will be strong to confront their opponent,’’ he said.

While Bayo Emmanuel, a grassroots football coach in Ajegunle, said that the coach must select players that are tactically fit to play Hungary.

“Our coach should have it in mind that the Hungarians are not push-over, he should put in extra measure in selecting the set of players for the next match.

“Only a decisive win will see us through to the next round of the tournament.”

The Flying Eagles are in Group E alongside Brazil, Hungary and North Korea.