The Super Eagles of Nigeria have lost their first international match in 11 months. They lost 1-0 to the Desert Foxes of Algeria in a friendly match, courtesy of Ramy Bensebaini’s sixth-minute strike.
Despite the Super Eagles lacklustre performance, there are insights to note and lessons to learn that will take Gernot Rohr’s men to the next level of world class performance.
This is now Nigeria’s third straight defeat to the African champions in an international friendly. The encounter at Worthesee Stadium, Klagenfurt, Austria is an eye-opener that sheds light on Super Eagles’ weak points.
Top class saves
William Troost-Ekong (the captain of the night) failed to coordinate the defence from a set-piece. Nigeria has always struggled to defend set-pieces.
The Super Eagles couldn’t test the Algerian goalkeeper much as they were only able to record just two shots on target. And even those two shots came in the first half.
However, Sparta Rotterdam keeper – Maduka Okoye – will definitely stake a claim for the team’s number one position. The goalie made four top-class saves in the game.
A much needed boost
New faces in the squad is a good sign of advancement as the likes of Ekong and Leon Balogun are hitting old age. Moreso, seeing Sanusi Zaidu, and Kevin Akpoguma make their debut and begin to gain experience is welcome.
Tyronne Ebuehi lived up to expectation with an impressive display as well. Such performance is the way to stake a claim to the right-back position.
Pace, creativity and stability in midfield
In the middle of the pack, the absence of Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo was obvious as the workload on Alex Iwobi was much in terms of creativity.
Credit should be given to Semi Ajayi for holding the fort in Ndidi’s absence. However, playmaking was missing. Thus, the ensuing lack of creativity didn’t give Samuel Chukwueze and Uche Kalu the required service.
With no balls from the wingers, Paul Onuachi became a lonely figure who was marked out in the affair.
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In a game that was missing Ndidi, Etebo, Joe Aribo, and Victor Osihmen, an Algerian victory was almost inevitable.
However, the entrance of Samson Tijani and Frank Onyeka was a welcome development in midfield as they belong to the future.
In attack, the Algerians were well aware of how dangerous Samuel Chukwueze is and they were able to tame him. Kalu failed to even spark before being removed for Moses Simon. It was an off day.
With no service from midfield, Paul Onuachi couldn’t create a problem for the Algerian defenders. He eventually went off for Kelechi Iheanacho.
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We have yet to capitalize on the strength of the 6.7ft striker. With such a lanky lad, playing him as a holding striker would be a problem for any defence.
Lessons learned
Ahead of the next outing on Tuesday against Tunisia, it is hopeful that Rohr would have helped the team gel better and not struggle for pace and stability.
The major strength of any team is in its midfield. It is expected that Nigeria will come up with a good midfield strategy that ensures a solid partnership among the players.
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