7 Things we learnt from the Nigeria vs Ethiopia Match. (A Post-Mortem)

The Nigeria Super Eagles overcame the Antelopes of Ethiopia in a very tough world cup qualifier match that potended to be a banana peel for the Super Eagles. The African Champions versus the Minnows of East Africa. A typical David vs Goliath story. It had upset written over it. Fortunately, they were able to rise to the occasion and secure a 1-2 victory over their Ethiopian counterparts.

After every encounter, there are usually lessons learnt- a sort of post-mortem to be conducted to find weaknesses to hide or strengthen, subtle nuances to explore and a general paragon for the larger community to imbibe.

7. Yekini Reborn?

Nigerians have been yearning for a replacement for the goals-father Rashidi Yekini. And now finally have found a reliable goal scorer in Emmanuel Emenike. He is just coming off a successful African Nations, where his goals were instrumental to Nigeria lifting the cup and at the same time, he ended up as the tournament's goalador.  In the Feneberche forward, the Super Eagles not only have goal scorer, but a world class finisher.

6. Moses and Oduamadi are light-weight.

The inclusion of  Moses and Oduamadi in the starting lineup indicated a very attacking side and signaled Keshi's intention to win the tie on Ethiopian Soil. Ultimately, the Super Eagles won the match so mission accompanied coach, one might say? 

Not exactly. The tie could have easily have gone beyond Nigeria on the balance of play in the opening hour. The Antelopes outplayed their Nigerian opponents for long periods and had they buried the numerous chances that came their way, it could have been different blog post I would have been writing. The blame could be put on selection of the duo of Moses and Oduamadi. 

Not taking anything from them, these are great players especially Moses who the Ethiopia paid closer attention to, after his brace ended their AFCON adventure earlier in the year.

The rule of the thumb in away encounters is to slow down the pace of the game and do anything to take away the wind from the sails from your hosts.

The game changed when more physical players in Nosa and Ideye were brought in for the duo.

5. Goal Line Technology: Where art thou?

It took Frank Lampard's none goal at the 2010 World cup to convince Fifa and its affilates that goal line technology is sorely needed to help the match officials in their duties. 

The fast pace of the game accompanied by its very high stakes have  conspired to make referees jobs' an impossible one. As in other sports such as NBA, NFL or Tennis, who have adopted video technology such as Hawk-Eye to resolve disputes, is essential to ensure the credibility the sport. And most importantly, determine that the  right Winner won! Removing the human element, many have argued will rob soccer off its charm or slow down the game. That element is one, match-fixers exploit. Its removal can only good for the enterprise. The margins between teams nowadays is so small that minute details really matter to decide who is the victor. A champion must be undisputed for the good of the game. Only video technology can ensure this.

A more reasonable argument to the goal line technology debate, is that such a decision will have to be globally applicable and less endowed regions of the world might not be able to afford it. Thus not meet up with the standard. Well, lets get started then.

4. Mikel's Best Position 

At Chelsea, he is a defensive midfielder, covering the back four and hardly venturing forward. Known for the sideway passes, and close ball control.  In the Green-White-Green of Nigeria, he surges forward, makes runs and seeks to open opponents' defenses.  What a contrast of playing styles for different teams. Even at that, those two extreme positions are not Mikel's best positions.

Mikel is more of a Riquelme-type player. He is not one to be shackled with the sole responsibility of protecting the defensive quartet. Nosa and Onazi are much more accustomed to that. He is best at delivering telling balls from deep in the midfield to racing forwards. I reckon he should play as just one of the central midfielders. Not the anchor of the defense nor the maestro orchestrating the attack.

3. The Difference between Big and Small Teams.

What is the different between "small" team juxtaposed with a more experience team. Skills? More stamina? Perhaps, it is better finishing? Well, they all count. In my opinion, the major difference between teams of varying strengths or even a very closely matched battle amongst peers is, a wait for it, Conversion of Set Pieces. 

Think about it, free kicks and corner kicks are opportunities to take an unchallenged goal attempt at your opponent's posts . Little wonder, teams that have mastered the art of converting dead ball situations always succeed in tournaments. The German machine, Brazilian teams comes to bear. Whenever they are backed into a corner, a successful set piece conversion comes to save their blushes. 

In this match, Nigeria were so wasteful with dead balls thus invited endless pressure on themselves. The Super Eagles had a lot free-kicks but they all amounted to nothing. This is one area, Nigeria needs to really work on, in order to take their game to the next level.

2. Ideye is more Robin than Batman

It seems Ideye Brown's best position is behind the main striker. That is where he really shines when he is played in that position. He struggled in the Confederations Cup were he was played as a the top striker. Maybe it is a coincidence. Either way, Ideye seems to have developed a good understanding with Emmenike, which will only help his cause for more playing time in the Super Eagles starting eleven.

1. No more Minnows 

There are no more minnows in African Football. Think about  it, board room maneuvers robbed Cape d'verde, Libya off a place in the final playoffs. This is very good for the continent.

Player Ratings

• Vincent Enyeama 
- Had a good game, bar the dodgy goal that he was conceded. 2.5/5
• Azubuike Egwueke - 
Contributed to the defensive responsibilities.
 2.5/5
• Ambrose 
-The Celtic defender was his usual solid self but the attacking part of his wing back play was absent. 3/5
• 




Godfrey Oboabona - Easily how best defender. The no nonsense defender showed his temperament of the field. 3.5/5
• Uwa 
Echiejile-Debuted well in right back but once again did not offer anything going forward. 2.5/5
• 




John Obi Mikel 
-Came alive in the second half after Nosa came in to share in defensive duties, thereby freeing him to dictate the play. 3/5
• 




Ogenyi Onazi - The combative midfielder put it his usual shift in blood and tears. 2.5
• 




Victor Moses- Picked out by the opposition as the star man, Moses could not escape the special attention, the Ethiopians 
put on him. Faded out of the match as it wore on. 1.5/5.

• 




Ahmed Musa - Was a constant headache in the second half. Missed a glorious chance. 3/5
• Emenike - Man of the Match . Took the game by scruff of its neck and brought Nigeria level out of nothing. And scored a smash and grab winning penalty. 4/5.
• Nnamdi Oduamadi - His anononmity is only rivalled by his wastefulness in front of goal. Missed a glorious chance in the first half. Lucky to have remained on the pitch for an hour 1/5
• Substitutions
• N. Igiebor 
- changed the match in my opinion. The Hard tackling defensive foil, freed Mikel to do what he does best.
• Ideye 
- Replaced Victor Moses.