The much-anticipated World Cup 2014 is on with lots of intrigues and upsets. The Super Eagles are on a mission to put Nigeria back where it belongs as one of the top nations in the world, in the country of football, Brazil.
The Super Eagles’ last victory at the World Cup was 16 years ago when Nigeria defeated Bulgaria 1-0 to top the group in France 1998.
It is very difficult to find any positive note from Nigeria’s limp and poor display against Iran in their opening World Cup group match in Curitiba.
Iran obviously were playing to avoid a defeat, showing a lot of respect to the African champions. A respect misplaced perhaps as the Nigeria team had neither what it takes to penetrate the defence of the Iranain side.
In the early stages of the game, Nigeria looked like a serious minded side showing eagerness to score at every attack but the gap between the midfield and attacks of the Super Eagles with some heroic blocks from Iran, stopped dangerous looking situations.
What is desperately clear about the Nigerian side is a lack of a team work with guile and invention in the midfield area to make that pass that opens up the play and an absence of a clearly defined style of play that should lead to a chance or, even better, a goal.
Starting off with a draw, the outpouring of negativity and criticisms has been loud and clear. That will however be counterproductive, most especially now that Nigeria still has a mathematical chance of qualifying for the next round.
Nigeria desperately needs to be en route to glory. This current Super Eagles team needs to prove to the world that they are deserved African champions. For starters, they are defending African champions and qualified to the 2014 finals with relatively little stress.
From all technical indications, the Super Eagles have to play with a very compact game plan, most especially when not in possession. Humility and feet on the ground is required.
Nigeria must go into the second game against Bosnia with a winning mentality, Super Eagles players must up their game, play at their best level and have to be united and play as a team.
A possible solution would have been the Super Eagles playing in fewer touches, and then spreading out wide to use the wings and bring in crosses to Emenike and company. In order to do this we needed to play ‘pacy’ wingers.
Musa and Moses should start; Osaze to step in for Azeez who was overwhelmed by the occasion and the first game seemed to swallow him. The role was obviously too big to have been assigned to one so young and new to the squad.
Osaze should play a free role behind Emenike in the attack and also revolving between the midfield and attack.
Mikel and Onazi needs to be solid and concentrate on their midfield defensive positions and avoid going forward regularly except when the need arises.
On the central defensive role, Yobo should replace Oboabona who got injured in the game against Iran, just as the back four should coordinate very well with Enyeama.
In the end Nigeria has been involved in the first goalless draw of this World Cup. Given how hard the team has always found it difficult to score goals, it is hardly a surprise. One hopes the Super Eagles improve and get the needed three points against Bosnia on Saturday to end the wait for that elusive first win at the World Cup since 1998.
Stephen Keshi, should be tactically and technically sound as an experienced former World Cup player and Nations Cup winning coach.
Also, strategically in the coming game against Bosnia, the Eagles should do better and Nigerians expects them to fly the nations flag high.
The group (F) is still open and victory over Bosnia this weekend will brighten Nigeria’s chances of making it to the next round.
The picture is clearer now to the players and the coaching crew. Many Nigerians are very confident the Eagles will make the progress to the next stage.
Goodluck to Super Eagles. Up Super Eagles, Up Nigeria!
Anthony Nlebem
