Poland Vs Nigeria (2:2) - Retrospective Reflection

Personally, I think the criticisms levelled against Goalkeeper Okoye yesterday by a cross-section of fans should be seen within a wider context. Yes, the shot was unleashed from an embarrassingly long distance; yes, self-respecting goalkeepers should not be beating from that range; yes, that late goal at that late time rubbed us of a well-deserved victory. However, as other fans had pointed out, which is self-evident from watching the match, Okoye pulled off several camera-friendly, credibly executed, competently controlled saves in the same match.

The sad reality is, it seems Okoye and Uzoho suffer from the same deficiency, which opposition teams are aware of: both of them are comically susceptible to long, very long, range shots. Why this is, I will never know, but whenever either of these 2 is in post, we will likely concede from range, which then, sadly, tarnishes and upends all the good work they have done in the same match. I remain a fan of Uzoho, but Okoye, not that much. But, give praise where it is due: Okoye did well overall yesterday with his deft distributions, sublime saves and authoritative command of his area.

The team at large looked good. Their high pressing strategy kept the Polish goalkeeper on his toes, even forcing him to make mistakes with hasty clearances, one of which Akor Adams failed to capitalise. Speaking of Adams, he wasn’t the star of the attacking show today; Moffi was. It was Moffi who forced the issue to stab home the opener in 23 minutes, underscoring his relevance to the starting 11.

Nnadi was unplayable, sticking to the ball like cement to bricks. He would unleash a belter from range that would sting the palm of the Polish goalie; wild, wonderful! Simon’s set-piece deliveries were terrible, but he went past his marker on occasions and crossed into dangerous areas, one such for the first goal.

Ndidi and Onyeka played with this air of maturity, although Onyeka was clumsy on occasions, falling off and looking befuddled. That said, they both marshalled the midfield with authority and intent, intent enough for Ndidi to have a leg in the first goal initially ruled offside.

Nigeria would often have this long spell of possession, which frustrated the Poles. A combination of high and low passing routines was employed to control play and dictate the rhythm, leading to the Super Eagles enjoying 51% possession, which was positive possession as it contributed to the 2 goals scored.

Onyeamachi was purposeful in possession and professional in defence. His tackles, long ball attempts and general movements could hardly be faulted. Fernandez and Ogbu combined well to foil the Poles inside Nigeria’s 18-yard box with tackles and interceptions that sadly went missing after the corner kick routine that gave the Poles their 1st goal.

Young right back Abdulahi Bewene was not overawed by the occasion. He chewed the scenery with poise, elegance and grace, striking a functioning relationship with players around him, players he hitherto had never played with. Though his game is rough around certain edges, his recovery rate, his passes, his interceptions, his interactions all marked him out as suitably appointed.

I had supreme confidence when Onuachu picked up the ball that he would score that penalty after earlier directing a powerful header agonisingly wide. He held the ball well, he lost the ball carelessly: it was a mixed bag performance from the big man. How I wished Onyedika had kept his composure and the ball low, Nigeria could have been 3:1 up. Otele was explosive down the right with his runs and successful take-ons, but the end-product of his crosses was often poor.

Zaidu is fast losing his place as even a home-based Super Eagles left back left a more memorable impression last week. Put simply, Zaidu looks out-of-sorts in positioning and passing, though he produced a credible effort on goal. Bassey was his bullish self (a Daniel Amokachi in defence), always ready for last-ditch tackles, clearances and interceptions that take advantage of his physicality and technique.

Ajayi was professional and a hair’s breadth away from providing an assist with a powerful cross to Onuachu. Dele-Bashiru’s painful struggle to carve out a niche and create an identity for himself under Chelle continues. He shone like a million stars as a lethal, balls-to-the-wall, irrepressible, irresistible, explosive attacking midfielder under Finidi George and Austin Eguavoen’s formations. Under Chelle, is he a winger, attacking midfielder, right full-back or centre midfielder? I am lost; he looked lost yesterday.

And Durosimi was unlikely to score, but, as always, used the force of his physicality to unsettle the Polish defenders.

Coach Chelle has now masterminded 12 straight games unbeaten (regulation time) for the Super Eagles; for this, he should be commended.