The game started on a bright note for the three time African Champions, with Iwobi opening scoring in the 4th minute with a shot outside the 18-yard box, Victor Osimhen double the lead 17 minutes later.
Alex Iwobi got his second in the 27th minute, when he unexpectedly whipped a shot into the net without the keeper’s notice. Samuel Chukwueze scored a fantastic solo goal in the 29th minute to take the lead to 4. Umaru Bangura of Sierra Leone however ended the party when he scored in the 32nd minute to end the first half.
Nigeria totally lost focus in the second half, and their opponents capitalised to score three more goals that completed the best comeback in history of their football.
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Here are five important observations from the Super Eagles team in the highly entertaining encounter.
1. Many defensive mistakes
Super Eagles players were guilty of many avoidable mistakes that led to goals, especially the first two goals from Sierra Leone. Ranging from uncompleted passes, to nonchalance in the backline. I used to be a fan of William-Troost Ekong, but truth be told, he’s no longer the player he once was. Leon Balogun’s absence in the second half totally exposed his flaws and the backline. Semi Ajayi was very sloppy throughout his duration in the game.
Lesson 1: The team needs a solid backline (a no nonsense defence).
2. Musa was played out of position
Ahmed Musa was supposed to be the danger man for the Nigerian team, but he ended up becoming one of the most ineffective players on the pitch. But it wasn’t entirely his fault, he was played out of position.
Musa usually operates from the flanks, so as to allow him the space to run at defenders. But since he was played behind the striker in the game, he couldn’t do what he does best. I must admit, Iwobi had a decent game playing from the flank, but he could have done better in that position.
Lesson 2: Musa should be positioned at the place he is most effective.
3. Okoye not good enough
Though some people might say it is too early to judge, but I must not watch hundreds of games to be certain that Maduka Okoye is not good enough for Super Eagles. The guy lacks positioning, commanding presence and even confidence. I am yet to see him make any save since he played for the team. Tell me why you need a goalkeeper, if he can’t keep his struggling team in a game?
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I don’t know the criteria for choosing a goalkeeper for the National team, but if it is based on talent, then the ones available should find an exit door.
Lesson 3: The team needs a reliable goalkeeper
4. Gernot Rohr not tactical
If there was an award given for the coach with the best scouting team, then that award should be Gernot Rohr’s. But if there’s one for the most tactically deficient coach, it should also be for Gernot Rohr.
The German manager knows how to source for highly talented young players, but he is yet to find the right way to utilise their talents. He often becomes clueless when the team is in trouble. Most of all, his substitutions are always off point.
Lesson 4: Time for tactical discipline in the team
5. The team needs a leader
A team without a commanding leader always lacks motivation. That was obvious in the Super Eagles team. I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but ever since John Obi Mikel retired from international duty, the Super Eagles team have lacked a true leader who could shout at players or ginger them.
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No good captain would watch his team sink without doing nothing.
Lesson 5: Super Eagles need a natural leader
