Nigeria 10:1 New Caledonia – Retrospective Review

I wasn’t going to report on this match because the Falconets have no business losing or drawing against a decent team like New Caledonia - winning was non-negotiable for Nigeria.

However, there are some noticeable themes to draw out of the match plus winning by 10 goals scored is worthy of praise.

The Falconets played with an all out attack 4-2-4 formation which was aimed at brutalising the opposition; which was also quite ruthlessly effective against a team like New Caledonia. Will they avoid punishment with this porous and risky formation against a technical team like England?

Despite the win, there were still instances of poor passes, poor decision making, poor technique, here and there.

Our wingers held on to the ball for too long and would needlessly and frustratingly execute one touch too many, too many times. New Caledonia scored with 1 of the only blatant 2 chances they had at our goal: a 50% success rate.

We still do not display neat, pristine, eye catching passing routines. It’s all formulaic and basic.

However, most of our goals were well taken. The players looked sharp in places and several players demonstrated neat movements and fine first touch with the ball. The Falconets have mobile players capable of turning on the after-burners.

I particularly enjoyed the in swing cross and header for the 2^nd goal, the looping strike for the 3^rd, the lobbed shot for the 4^th and the long range riffled bullets for the 6^th and 7^th goals.

I also have to admit that the quality of majority of the crosses today were as glittering as gold.

The corner kicks, though these produced goals, were a mixed bag – some were good, others, forgettable.

R. Kareem has always been a player after my heart and it was nice to see her bag a hat-trick a delicious goals. But time is running out for her to come out of the shadows.

She can be very underwhelming as she was at times here. But, make no mistakes, if properly nurtured, she will go places.

It’s a pity Joseph was hauled off early, perhaps to preserve her for the second round. Janet’s bagging just 1 goal was a surprise to me.

Anyway, congratulations but I am still not won over. There are glimpses of acceptable talents sprinkled here and there but, as a team, this team and their coach have a long way to go to convince me.