Nigeria Vs Gabon 4:1 - Retrospective Reflection

Gabon played ultra defensive in the first half which made it (more) difficult for the Super Eagles to convert the chances they created into goals.

When Gabon decided to come out and play, they were wide open and started making mistakes, making it easy for Akor to capitalise to score.

Ejuke was not alive to his defensive duties by staying up front, leaving a Gabonese in acres of space to score via a wicked deflection.

To Gabon's eternal regret, they grew in false confidence and decided to be more offensive and open in their play.

This allowed Nigeria to take the driving seat in midfield, which allowed Ndidi, Frederick and others to capitalise and feed Osihmen and Ejuke to put the icing on the cake.

Nwabali has lost his way, being hesitant to clear simple balls several times which almost led to silly goals being conceded. I think we should try Amas Obaseki.

Frederick is simply unplayable, by far Nigeria's current best centre back. Zaidu and Osayi-Samuel provided credible attacking threats.

Ndidi channels his inner maturity to manifest mature midfield play. Iwobi was in and out of the game but his desire remains commendable.

Osihmen is a brilliant behemoth (a shining star)and Akor goes about his business with quiet professionalism.

Lookman and Chukwueze wedged their movements within the fabric of the formation effectively without producing individual moments of magic.

Ejuke is a credible sub option with credible touches and a goal threat.

Whoever doesn't believe in Eric Chelle can take it or leave it. Scoring 4 goals in back to back high tempo, high stakes games is no mean feat.

Finally, the Super Eagles can confidently play with 2 centre backs and can be expected to score goals when we play African teams willing to come out to play football.