The loss to Czech Republic is the Super Eagles’ third on the trot in warm-up games prior to the World Cup. This is obviously an ominous sign for a team going to the World Cup. There are lessons to be drawn from the latest loss to the Czech Republic.
The 4-3-3 formation is not working: The Nigerian default system had always been a 4-4-2 formation. But this had been abandoned early this decade (from the time of late Stephen Keshi’s appointment) in favour of the 4-3-3 formation, partly due to the dearth of natural wingers at the time. It seemed to have worked for the Eagles mostly on the continent as evidenced by a third Nations Cup victory.
Under Coach Rohr, the 4-3-3 formation may have worked during the qualifiers, but against non-African opposition and – I dare say, superior opposition – it simply isn’t cutting it as the Super Eagles lacks personnel to effectively deliver in this formation.
In qualifying, the team amassed 11 goals in 6 games against Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia. But in five friendlies it has managed a paltry 3 goals. The formation has both been responsible for and affected by the constant reshuffling of Super Eagles players.
Set-pieces; Nigeria’s bane: Whether for or against, despite parading a number of players with good height, the Super Eagles have exhibited gross incompetence at dealing with set pieces. The friendly games against Poland and Serbia exposed the Eagles vulnerability at the rear. Also, the opening goals conceded by the Eagles in the last two games have come from corner kicks. Upfront, the story is the same as it is diffcult to remember any deliberate chances the Eagles have tucked away from a set-piece. Failure to address this will spell doom for the team especially against the likes of Croatia and Iceland.
Uzoho’s confidence on the rise: Francis Uzoho has to be appreciated for his steadily improving performances. Though he faltered against England’s Harry Kane, his improved confidence is a welcome development and with the massive potential evident in numerous superb saves, may he have finally cemented his place as the Eagles number one. It is hoped that it will be sustained and even improved on against the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Mario Mandzukic amongst others at the World Cup.
Defence still very shaky: Tyronne Ebuehi continues an upward trajectory; Abdullahi Shehu is very hard working and William Ekong continues to lead from the back. However, the defence is still shaky with Leon Balogun in particular struggling with pace and sometimes indecision.
Iwobi and Moses; the livewires of the team: Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses remain the most potent attacking forces in the Eagles team. Alongside Odion Ighalo, they have been more involved with the team’s better moves. Coach Rohr simply needs to figure out a way to get them more involved in dangerous areas, rather than being over-laboured with trying to create opportunities. That being said, the trio also have to do a lot better in taking games.