For the past year or so the Super Eagles of Nigeria have provided the needed distraction from the political turmoil affecting Nigeria as they have secured impressive wins since Gernot Rohr took charge.
The last two games against Algeria and Argentina have proven that the Super Eagles are no longer chicked while also solidifying the place of some players on the plane for Russia 2018.
We look at five things that Nigerians learnt from the World Cup qualifier draw against Algeria and the comeback victory over Argentina in a friendly.
1. Daniel Akpeyi still not good enough, Uzoho deserves his chance
So far Akpeyi has done little to suggest he warrants a place on the plane for Russia. He was a calamity in the first half against Argentina and was at fault for the first goal as he handled outside the box.
On the other hand, Francis Uzoho was a calm presence in goal for the second hald and did well to deny Benedetto's header late in the game.
Maybe its time to drop Akpeyi and consider recalling Enyeama.
READ ALSO: Aguero taken to hospital after collapsing at half-time in Argentina-Nigeria match
2. John Ogu ahead of Mikel Agu for the Super Eagles
John Ogu followed up his wonder strike against Algeria with another commanding presence in midfield against Argentina.
The midfielder who was just returning from injury was lost in the first half against the South Americans but the second half was a mirror of the first.
The Super Eagles celebrate John Ogu's strike against Algeria. Photo: CAF
The Israel based star looks to have established himself as Nigeria's fourth choice centre midfielder after Wilfred Ndidi, John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi.
3. Gernot Rohr is a tactical master
When the Super Eagles line up for the game against Argentina showed Nigeria will line up in a 3-5-2 formation, many were stunned. Nigeria (or any other African nation) does not play this way and why would the German dump his preferred 4-3-3 formation.
However Rohr knew what he was doing. He knew Jorge Sampaoli would attempt to overload the flanks after drawing playing in the middle out hence the need to play three at the back where right and left centerbacks could help cover when attacked.
Kudos to Rohr for getting it right against Algeria and Argentina. Photo: NAIJ.com
Rohr's substitutions were also inspired and worked on the weaknesses of Argentina. Also Isolating Iwobi on the left against the none pacy Perez and Mascherano was an inspired tactic.
PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on NAIJ.com News App
4. Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun are Nigeria's best center-backs
Once against Leon Balogun and Willian Troost-Ekong proved to be Nigeria's best center back pairing.
Despite lining up in a three man defence, both 'oyinbo' players showed their understanding.
Nigeria's next great center back pairing. Photo: Leon Balogun/Twitter
Stanley Awuziem was the weak link in the back three and if not for the other two, Nigeria could have conceded much more that two.
5. There is depth in quality for Nigeria
Against Algeria Nigeria did not play Mikel Obi, and the injured Ogenyi Onazi, Odion Ighalo, Mikel Agu, Elderson Echiejile and Moses Simon while Mikel returned against Argentina as others did not.
Tyronne Ebuechi, Ahmed Musa, Brian Idowu and Kenneth Omeruo all came on and proved to be the difference in the second half.
Russia born Idowu was a debutant goal scorer for Nigeria.
What a team Nigeria has!
How Super Eagles qualified for the Russia 2018 World Cup on NAIJ.com TV;
Source: Sports.naija.ng
from Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com http://ift.tt/2jwgq6U
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment