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We examine three key takeaways from the Super Eagles' victory over continental rivals, Ghana.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria started life under new boss—albeit interim—Finidi George in winning fashion, beating continental rivals Ghana 2-1, the first such since 2006.
This was the first game the Super Eagles have played since their impressive showing at the AFCON, where they finished second. It provided an avenue to take stock of the Super Eagles' growth, if any, following their showing in Ivory Coast.
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This was also the first match in the new post-Peseiro era, as the Portuguese bowed out on a silver medal high. So what have we learned from the match, and what does it mean for the Nigerian national team going forward?
Playing out of the back
Nigeria’s approach to building up in the win over Ghana was a breath of fresh air. During the AFCON, under the tutelage of the erstwhile manager, the team shied away from patient build-up, opting for hopeful hoof balls for Osimhen to chase down or hold up.
This preference hampered the Super Eagles’ ability to control games and made for an unattractive watch. In this match, however, the team regularly attempted to build from the back, and more times than not, they pulled it off, underscoring the high technical level of the Nigerian players.
Nwabali can pass!!!
Andre Onana, Manuel Neuer, Allison, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, and Ederson, to name a few; goalkeepers in teams that prefer a patient, methodical build-up are usually required to be comfortable on the ball.
Nwabali was very much a little-known quantity before the AFCON, and it was only during the tournament that many Nigerians learned of his self-confidence and shot-stopping ability. But we are still in the ‘talking stage’ with our Chippa United goalie, with time revealing more of his attributes.
As stated earlier, Finidi required his boys to play out of the back, and in the Jollof Derby triumph, we learned that our last line of defence is also a very capable first point of attack. Nwabali showed admirable ease and comfort while distributing the ball in the face of the Ghanaian press in his short passes as well as the longer ones.
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Ndidi was sorely missed at the AFCON
Before the start of the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria saw a plunge in its resources following a spate of injuries to key players. Wilfred Ndidi was the most conspicuous omission through injury, and his performance against Ghana reminded all why his layoff at the time led to prophecies of doom.
While Nigeria beat the odds and the nationwide pessimism to reach the final, the presence of Ndidi could have seen the Super Eagles take the final step to becoming champions, and this win against Ghana is tenable evidence.
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The unavailability of the Leicester City midfield boss meant Iwobi had to be sacrificed in a deeper role, a less favoured role for his abilities. It meant Nigeria were missing a top talent at the base of midfield, as well as missing out on the best advanced midfielder in the side.
Ndidi showed his quality in this win, bossing the midfield and freeing up Iwobi to be his brilliant self, which we have gotten used to seeing at Fulham this season.
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