My question is whether Randy Waldrum will approach the remaining Olympic games with the same formation and tactical approach that he used against Brazil.
In the first half, I was most surprised to see the Super Falcons set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation against the South Americans – the first time I will see such under Waldrum.
This formation catered for the 4 defenders and 1 defensive midfielder in Deborah Abiodun who had the freedom to roam about the pitch to retrieve and recirculate the ball which she did with aplomb.
Then you have the left centre midfielder in Payne who was expected to collect the ball from deep and run with it into enemy terrain; something she struggled against Brazil.
Then further up was the right attacking midfielder in Ucheibe who was expected to win the ball higher up the pitch when pressing and also to launch ferocious long shots: a role I thought she performed rather well as evidenced from the 3 shots she had on goal. But she wasn’t really able to move with the ball or interact as effective as could be possible or productive with Iheuzo.
On the flanks, Ajibade from the right dispatched her markers and drove deep to deliver crosses. She was lively, effective and exceptional. On the left, Echegini tried to invert her runs to cut in and shoot from long or short range. She was largely unsuccessful as she was well curtailed and when she did get through her shots were either too high or well blocked. Her dribbles and trickery didn’t come off.
In front, the sole centre forward Iheuzo failed to convert a glaring chance and would be subsequently largely starved of service with left centre midfielder (Payne) and left winger (Echegini) struggling to find headway while right attacking midfielder (Ucheibe) not fashioning out creative ways to bring Iheuzo into the game.
At the back, meaningful overlapping runs and deft crosses to Iheuzo from the left was virtually non-existent from Okeke while Alozie’s long balls to attack often failed to connect and her overlapping runs proved fruitless for most part.
I didn’t notice 1 single noteworthy long balls to Iheuzo from either centre backs Demehin or Ohale which all contributed to making life harder for Iheuzo as the best service to her largely came from one outlet: Ajibade.
Second Half
As the second half commenced, the team still continued with the 4-1-4-1 formation with Okoronkwo replacing Iheuzo as centre forward.
She (Okoronkwo) dropped deep in midfield to collect and recycle the ball with mixed results which at least meant she saw more of the ball than Iheuzo. She also connected better with long balls from Nnadozie and tried to run at defenders before being dispossessed.
They started a new system for the defensive midfielder Abiodun or right attacking midfielder Ucheibe would shell through passes to the overlapping runs of the right backs Alozie and later Nicole Payne which were sadly overcooked.
The right and left wingers fell back to defend but Ajibade struggled to prevent crosses.
The defensive midfielder Abiodun covered the entire pitch to help the center backs, wingers and fullbacks to recover the ball – a thankless and unsung role.
On the left, Payne and Echegini swapped centre midfield and left wing roles but it bore little fruit as crosses or through balls failed to materialise.
The left back Okeke often failed to prevent Brazilians from beating her to deliver crosses.
Later, Onumonu was introduced to right wing for Ajibade to move to left centre midfield to take the place of Payne who was removed. Kanu was introduced to left wing in place of the ineffective Echegini.
Nicole Payne will come in and play right back for Okeke with Alozie moved to left back.
Long balls now emerged from the centre backs Ohale and Demehin to attack which held promise. Ajibade worked hard to connect midfield to wings and even had a shot at goal. Kanu was effectively caged by the Brazilian fullbacks for the most part.
Nicole Payne bumped up and down the right wing as she looked very sharp with Alozie looking to offer more attacking threats from the left but her deliveries were still not overwhelming.
The right wing was unrecognisable as Onumonu didn’t present similar dribbling and directness as Ajibade but she (Onumonu) supported defensive duties.
In all, Ajibade proved versatile but Onumonu was not an overly effective winger. Even Kanu struggled with physically technical defenders from the flanks while Okoronkwo kwo fell deep to support good link up play which worked to help retain possession and propel the team forward.
I think the team can cause some problems in subsequent matches under this same formation if Waldrum selects the right players in key positions and address areas of concern.
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