Nigeria Vs Zimbabwe: 2-0, Retrospective Reflection

Nigeria v Zimbabwe: 2-0, My Thoughts

Former Nigeria International Dimeji Lawal (as reported by media outlets) is not the only one impressed, the bulk of the Super Eagles fanbase are, too.

And what's there not to be impressed about? At least 8 of the starting 11 had never played together before, yet the gelled like glue.

Their passing routines were pristine and purposeful; their goalscoring rituals were direct and to the point; and their defensive countermands were timely and effective enough to help them keep a clean sheet.

Chelle's brand of play is no longer unpredictable. You kinda know what to expect, to be honest, as that element of suprise has evaporated. For example, both goals were exactly from his Afcon playbook as Moffi, Otele and Azeez produces the exact same sequences as Osihmen, Adams and Lookman.

Otele to Moffi (Osihmen), who cuts back in Azeez (Lookman) to smash the net for 2 goals - we have seen it all before; different players, same pattern, similar outcomes!

But, good Lord, it remains fresh, vibrant and beautiful to the eye.

There was, in the second half, this wonderfully crafted sequence of about 5 give-and-go passes from the left, started and ended by Otele being 1 v 1 with the Zimbabwe goalkeeper after Moffi's final defense splitting pass delivered a CFR (Comot For Road): simply and utterly brilliant, a fine example of a magical sequence from a magical method by players capable of producing magic from their coach's instructions.

I don't hear anyone complaining about the performances of the homebase players last night, simply because there was nothing to complain about as these NPFL warriors took to international football as "to the manner born". Every touch, movement and runs by them built the seamless impression of a performance delivered with a high level of focus, professionalism and attention to Chelle's details.

That Ikorodu City midfielder, Tosin Oyedokun particularly caught my attention with how well and exemplary he handled the mammoth task of midfield management. He held his ground and shelled out a barrage of passes from the centre like errant projectiles, one to Azeez on the right, left me amazed.

The team kept its shape well, making them difficult to penetrate. They played variations of 4-4-2: at times taking the shape of 4-1-2-1-2, other times just staying flat.

For all their good work, Chelle's open and reckless approach continues to leave the team vulnerable to absorbing copious crosses. The left wingback of Igboke was particularly vulnerable, particularly tested. On another night, with better quality opposition centre forwards, recieving better quality crosses, Nigeria would definitely concede.

Goalkeeper Okonkwo's distribution was on the money but he wasn't overly tested. Nnadi impressed many fans with his midfield generalship whilst the entire frontline showed bite with Moffi playing with a high degree of selflessness. The subs also delivered good displays.

All in all, a powerfully prepared proposition by the coach was delivered professionally by players hoping to power their way into the mainstream team of the Super Eagles.

It was great!