Lesotho vs Nigeria: 1-2 A Retrospective Review (World Cup Qualifiers)

Under Chelle, we remain remarkably undefeated and have now gathered a whopping 11 out of a possible 15 points from 5 World Cup qualifiers, which by any metric would be lauded to the high heavens. But, Coach Eric Chelle remains a villain to some.

Why did the NFF leave it late to employ this coach?

Yesterday’s eventual 2:1 win against Lesotho wasn’t only as dull as dishwater, it was dire, early in the match. Things would get better as the match progressed.

I was left scratching my head at how the Super Eagles poorly executed basic routines: crosses overhit, (simple) passes bungled, long balls overcooked, movements (hopelessly) uncoordinated, shots misfired, headers misconnected – all of which combined to make their overall presentation amateurish and the players looking woefully unprepared.

But even at that, I drew comfort from being able to decipher what they were trying to do – I am talking particularly about the first half; their second half application was much improved. The players initially looked jittery and nervous, almost overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead. They started as slowly as a snail.

I think Arokodare struggled because he played in right centre forward for most parts. That side of our game was wretchedly weak. Simon, accustomed to the left side, was ineffective at the right. With no recognisable natural right full back, Fredericks was very slow to grasp his responsibility early, all combining to numb our right side and make Arokodare look useless.

On the left was where the action was. Bruno, Iwobi, Lookman and even Osihmen all combined and coordinated to create pockets of openings. But Iwobi’s through passes, high balls and driven passes were often overcooked, too heavy or lacked cutting edge. Lookman couldn’t make headway with his take-ons. Osihmen was well marshalled, and the balls that found him had lost potency. Bruno moved overlapped with intent, but his end product was often not palatable. They cobbled passes together but they were disjointed approaching the opposition’s box-18.

But at least I could see what they were trying to do, even though they were doing it very poorly.

The plan was simple. Iwobi unlocks with through passes; Osihmen latches on, locates Arokodare, who stabs home; Looman dazzles down the flank; Bruno creates outlets; a similar pattern is repeated on the right, with Ndidi shielding the back 4 and Nwabili “communicating” effectively with those around him.

Simple enough, isn’t it?

Well, I think it all come together in the second half.

With Akor’s introduction, finally, we had a Super Eagle striker who could take out defenders with leg-work that has credibility and cutting edge. Finally, Fredericks had come alive to the responsibilities of a right full-back, and, my God, some of his crosses were fiendish, as he also combined beautifully with wingers. Finally, the 2 centre forwards were combining and, finally we had the winning goal.

Finally? Well, finally, the ghost of errors emerged from the shadows to haunt our defence. Finally, we conceded after said defence f*cked up a simple corner kick defensive routine. Finally, we almost lost it all after said defence contrived in the last minute for the ball to almost roll into an empty net.

Finally, Chelle now has 3 out of his customary 4 points in any 2 competitive games. Finally, we live to fight another day.

We are still in this – thanks to Coach Chelle, and, I guess, thanks to the players. Like I predicted, we will finish strongly.

The question remains: Will a strong finish be good enough?