Portugal Vs Nigeria 0:0 - A Retrospective Review

I couldn't follow the match from a visceral level because the Portuguese commentaries sort of put me off. Plus, I was feeling very sleepy after a busy day, so that, even the flames of patriotism weren't pervasive enough to keep me awake.

That said, from the little I saw, the Super Falcons looked way too expansive for my liking. The wingers were too far to the flanks, which compromised their ability to create credible scoring opportunities earlier on.

Ordega, a controversial selection, has to be praised for taking a leaf out of Messi and Ronaldo's playbook: staying trim, sleek and light on their feet, despite advancing age.

Super Eagles Kelechi Iheanacho can learn a thing or two about how Ordega has stayed lean and fit and relevant beyond her use-by date.

Whether as a centre forward or right winger, she made meaningful contributions with menacing runs, wicked crosses and an audacious effort on goal from long range.

Chiamaka Nnadozie is unassailable - the Vincent Enyeama of this generation of Falcons, and then some!

After Madugu introduced the more mature players in the second half, even my half-asleep, half-awake state couldn't help but notice the increase in tempo, intensity, and class.

A big star of mine - Ucheibe - is becoming slightly error prone - she should please nip this menace in the bud.

I continue to be unconvinced about Echiejine as a midfielder. She - in my flawed opinion - does not have the physicality and range of movement to handle the rigours of the midfield.

She is a scorer, a scorer with exceptional technique who should shine brighter as a support striker.

The team played like a typical Nigerian team coached by a typical Nigerian coach: work your way to the flanks, cross and score - no more no less. I got no problem with this, but, with wingers the far wide close to the throw-in line, it becomes easier for opposition teams to isolate our players.

Plus, individual ingenuity is needed to really make this approach work, which is why, in my jaded opinion, the wealth of experience and expertise introduced by the introduction of experienced legs in the second half brought their pattern play to life.

Over-relying on individuality might go some way in explaining the invitation of certain senior players into this squad - a largely up-and-coming rookies will likely suffer under the weight of expectations to deliver under a highly demanding tactical approach!