In a tournament, full of goals, it was disappointing is a match go goal-less. If Super Eagles and Iran were pugilists, maybe the match might have been called off in round 4. That was how frustrating it was. The Iranians parked the bus and hoping against hope that they could get one on the break. They almost one did, via a corner kick. If not for the acrobatics of Vincent Enyeama- the mercurial Nigerian goal keeper, the effort, would have been the smash and grab, the Iranians had set-up to get. Sadly, The Super Eagles, a team previously renown in its glory days as a fearless attacking side, lacked the quality,tactics and personnel to break the iranians down. Lets see if there are lessons to be learnt from the match.
1. Keshi Keeps Ignoring the Startling Obvious to his detriment.
Ambrose is not a right-back . Every one can see. His crosses are so poor to say the least. He is much better as a centre-back. It's time to move him to his natural position in the centre and plug Azeez or anyone else that has good delivery as right back or play with 3 centre backs. The Super Eagles are too slow in the final third. It is just so plain to see. Yet nothing gets done to remedy this.
2. Emenike needs a Partner.
Like Batman, Emenike misses his robin, Ideye Brown. Since it's too late to bring him in. Keshi needs to improvise with someone else. Maybe Osaze could suffice. His contribution in the match was very good though it could also be said that much of the iranian resistance had wilted away in the Brazilian scorching heat by the time he had come in as a second half substitute. Either way, a creative side kick should partner him upfront.
3. Forget Dribbling, Coordination
This is the world cup! Very few teams are going to allow a player waltz their through their defenses. For goodness sake, speed up the play in the final third. Also it helps conserve energy in the very hot atmosphere in Brazil. Moses, Musa and Emenike start their runs from their half and when they get the opponents final third get tired and their legs give in.
4. Set Pieces
The ability to convert set pieces is one of the big factors that differentiate world-beaters from lesser teams. For example, The U.S.A won their game against Ghana by converting a corner kick as well as Italy in their match against England. But anytime, Nigeria have dead ball situations, nothing becomes of it. In fact, it is wasted.
5. There are Positives.
There were positives to take away from such a poor performance.
The Super Eagles improved defensively, Mikel and Onazi played well together in midfield. If it had been an open game, maybe we could have seen a better performance from the Super Eagles. In future games, hopefully against Bosnia, there will be a willingness for both teams to have a go at each other.
The Super Eagles played the Americans in a friendly warm-up game for the world cup. As the last warm up game, both teams put up their most probable starting eleven. The Nigerians having included new players, probably wanted to use the match to bud them into the team. Well, it did not go so well as the American beat the Super Eagles 2-1, with Altidore scoring a brace.
I collated a few lessons to be learnt from this encounter.
1. Don't Change a Winning Team.
Nigerians became Africans Champions last year for the first time since 1994. Between those years, the Super Eagles had fielded very strong teams in each challenge, but fell short each time. One of the reasons, the 2013 team were successful, were others had failed, was that the team had few big egos and less bickering. The harmony amongst the players, helped solidify the team to a cohesive unit.
But with this 23 man World Cup squad, the functional members of the African Cup team e.g Sunday Mba , Ideye were dropped for the big egos: Osaze and co. From the friendly match, team cohesion, both is attack and defense was absent.
2. Don't Expect Anything from the Full-Backs
Back in the days of yore, the Nigerian team were renown for the rampaging runs from the wings from the full backs such as Iroha, Eguavoen to mention a few. Sadly, with Echejile out of the world cup through injury and Ambrose being a static full back, the Nigerian attack have no way to stretch their opponents through the wings. One wonders why a full back with poor crossing ability like Ambrose, should continue to occupy that position?
3.Midfield is Ominious.
With Mba, Ideye, Igiebor, Joel Obi gone, it is no surprise, that the Nigeria midfield looks very much weak and ineffectual. One thing that was really different about the 2013 team was their high work rate. They worked harder in getting the ball than any Nigerian team before them. Now they have been robbed off their work-horses.
Keshi truly is a great coach and it is noteworthy that a Nigerian is coaching the Nigerian Team to the World Cup. It is something to be proud of. The level of experimenting with formations and personnel at this point, is indicative of how unsure, Keshi is of his side.
6. Too Many Minds.
In the movie, the Last Sumarai, Tom Cruise reversed the trend of the ass-whopping that his lack of concentration was getting him, in the hands of his captors,by focusing on a single purpose. Same thing can be said of Super Eagles. From the match, one could not see what they were trying to do. Play like Barcelona with short passes through the middle? For which they lack the fluidity. Or have a high pressing game? The strikers received non-existent service. Maybe they could go for the Route 1 approach with Uchebo at the tip, but he is played in midfield. The Super Eagles need a single game plan and not try to do too many things at once.
Such a game plan needs to be tailored towards the personnel in the team.
7. It is never too late to make amends.
Keshi should look into the possibility of recalling any amongst the outcasts of Ogu, Igiebor,Ideye, Mba. It is obvious that the inclusion of Ameobi, Osaze,Micheal is a big mistake. And it is not too late to correct it.
After securing qualification to the 2014 Mundial hosted by Brazil, the Super Eagles started their preparation with a friendly match with the Azzuris. Typically, teams en-route the soccer fiesta play series of friendlies with countries that are from the same football culture with those in their groups.
Nigeria played Italy in the Fulham Stadium and it ended 2-2.
These are some excerpts for the exciting encounter.
1. No Joy from the Right
Full-backs provides width and makes the pitch bigger for the opposing team. In a wing-back system, they are invaluable; providing crosses for the strikers to tap home. Nigeria's second goal by Shola Ameobi was an example of such wing-play by Francis Benjamin. Not taking anything from Ambrose, who is a very good defender, we get none of those runs from him.
Ambrose could be a stabilizing influence in the centre of the Super Eagles' defense and as long as Ambrose continues as right-back, expect no joy from there.
2. With a Strong Defence, you always have chance.
It was the former U.S president,Bill Clinton, who said those words , "With a Strong Defence, you always have chance". The manner by which Balotelli tore Nigeria's defense to shreds throughout the match exposed its vulnerabilities. Thankfully, both goalkeepers of Ejide and Enyeama were able to keep the Italian raids to a respectable scoreline. For the Super Eagles to do as well as the Ghanaians did in the 2010 edition, then they must fortify their defense. Nedum Onuoha of QPR could be good addition especially at right back.
3. A chance for One Last Hurrah?
The duo of Obafemi Martins, Odemwegie could still have a place in the team since Oduamadi's poor performances have not justified his continued inclusion in the team. Keshi should take the best players regardless of any personal differences. Both players are vastly experienced and play week in, week out for their clubs. Also, if injuries were to affect Moses or Musa, there are no "credible" replacements.
4. Fear Only Fear Itself
One positive thing to take out of the match is the lack of fear and respect that the Nigerians showed the Italians which enabled the Super Eagles to control most of the first half and edge the Italians going into half-time.
5. Mixed Bag
Dike and Ameobi showed great finishing in their goals, giving Keshi reasonable alternatives in attack. But the Super Eagles still lack a creative midfielder in the mould of Jay-Jay Okocha or someone that can unravel defences. Anyway, Keshi should continue with his great work and play the best countries.
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.
The World Cup will be starting in Brazil in 2014 and in terms of preparations for the African Champions ,Super Eagles of Nigeria, it has been so far so good. The qualifiers have provided a sturdy test and judging by her performance with a depleted side at concluded Confederation Cup showed that , with her best players, the Super Eagles can compete with the world's greatest teams.
Nigeria surely can what no African nation has done: which is win the World Cup. But they need to have the right blend of players. With hordes of players scattered across the globe, it would not a mean feat to select the best to spear head the challenge for the World soccer title.That is what I have a taken the liberty to compile - The Team list of Nigerian players that could win the world cup for her.
Goal Keeper Enyeama Victor
Since 2002, he has played for the national team of Nigeria. He currently plays for Lille OSC who he signed for in June 2011.Enyeama was selected for the 2002 World Cup as a cover for Ike Shorunmu. He only played one match in that tournament, keeping a clean sheet against England, and took over the spot after Shorunmu's international retirement. Since then he has been the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team, playing in the 2004 African Cup of Nations, 2006 African Cup of Nations, and indeed all African Cup of Nations till 2013 except for the 2008 edition in Ghana where he lost his position to Austin Ejide. In the 2006 CAN, he stopped three penalties in the quarter-final against Tunisia, but could not prevent a loss to Côte d'Ivoire in the semi-final. Goalkeeper Enyeama turned out the hero for the Nigerians as he saved Thomas Nyirenda's spot kick after both teams had scored their previous three kicks. He put his own kick past his opposite number Mweene in a battle of the goalkeepers, after Mweene had scored his seconds earlier, to set up a semi-final clash with Ghana, which Nigeria lost 1–0 only to end up settling for the third place by beating Algeria by a slim 1–0 victory margin.
Vincent Enyeama justified claims as one of the best shot-stoppers in football at the moment, with a defiant display to restrict Argentina to a 1–0 win in their Group B 2010 FIFA World Cup match.
plays as a centre back or right back for Scottish Premiership club Celtic and the Nigeria national football team.Ambrose has represented Nigeria at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, the Summer Olympics and at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Omereuo(Defender)
On 9 January 2013, at the age of 19 he played for the senior team for the first time in a goalless draw against Cape Verde. He then went on to play in all of Nigeria's matches at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations as Nigeria went on to win the competition for the third time
Sunday Mba (Central Midfielder) He was a member of the Nigeria C team that won the 2010 WAFU Nations Cup. He made his senior debut in the Eagles' 0–0 tie against Angola in January 2012. He scored a brace against Liberia in his next game.He was called up to Nigeria's 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.He scored the winning goal in Nigeria's 2–1 quarter-final win over Côte d'Ivoire. On February 10, 2013, in the final against Burkina Faso, he scored the first and only goal of the game, to hand Nigeria their third Africa Cup of Nations title.
Nosa Igiebor (Central Midfielder)
commonly known as Nosa or Nosa Igiebor, is a Nigerian footballer who plays for Real Betis as an attacking midfielder.He was called up to Nigeria's 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Musa Ahmed
Musa represented the Nigeria national under-20 football team in the U-20 World Cup held in Colombia, where he scored three goals in five matches. Musa was included by FIFA in shortlist of 10 candidates for the Adidas Golden Ball, which was awarded to the most outstanding player of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.On 7 December 2011, Ahmed Musa was one of the four nominees named for the Confederation of African Football Most Promising Talent Award, however the award went to Tottenham Hotspur's Souleymane Coulibaly. He was called up to Nigeria's 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.He was selected for Nigeria's squad at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Mikel Obi (Attacking Midfielder)
In the summer of 2005, Mikel played for Nigeria at the FIFA World Youth Championships held in the Netherlands. He had an excellent tournament until Nigeria reached the final, where they lost 2–1 to Argentina. Obi won the Silver Ball after being voted the tournament's second best player.
Victor Moses (Attacker) plays for Chelsea. Moses can play in a variety of positions, but in the first-team games he has taken part in so far, Moses has mostly played as a winger. Born in Nigeria, he has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels, but opted to play for the Nigerian national team as opposed to being fully capped for England.
Uche Nwafor (Attacker) Is a new comer to the scene .Scoring a brace in Nigeria victory over rivals, South Africa,in the Mandela Challenge 2013.Nwofor also announced his arrival in Europe by scoring on his debut for VVV Venlo in a thrilling 3:3 home draw with PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch top-flight.
Emmanuel Emenike (Attacker)
He scored in Nigeria's opening AFCON match against Burkina Faso in a 1-1 draw. He also scored the first goal in the quarter final match between Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire which Nigeria won 2-1. On 3 February, Emenike scored a 30-yard free kick giving his country a 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire in the African Cup of Nations.
In 2013, he became part of the third Nigerian team to win the African Cup of Nations - Nigeria's first continental victory since 1994. His four goals proved crucial to Nigeria's progress through the tournament, and he was named to the team of the African Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament.However, Emenike wasn't included in the final, due to thigh injury.He also received the Pepsi Tournament Top Scorer, with four goals, along with Ghana's Wakaso Mubarak. This secured him the Pepsi Tournament Top Scorer with four goals and three assist, having played fewer minutes than Mubarak, who also had three goals and no assist.Emmanuel Emenike was also part of the Nigerian team that won the tournament in 2013.
