Areas of Improvement Assessment Only
I am proud of all of the players particularly Nwabili, Ekong, Bassey, Frank, Simon, Lookman, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Aina and Onuachu in this recently concluded tournament.
But, as a unit, they lacked sufficient elements to see them across the finish line to gold.
Some areas to work on per player include the following:
– Osimhen needs to be more clinical in the formation used.
– Aina needs improvements in 1v1s. He was tormented in the last match.
– Ajayi needs to commit less errors. He will still struggle in a back two centre back set up.
– Nwabili needs to learn how to palm or parry to the side rather than the front. He did concede 2 goals when the defence struggled to afford him adequate protection.
– Iwobi needs to reinvent his midfield play. His shots are weak, his passes just too simple and his movements restrictive. Perhaps the formation was not best suited for his skills.
– Onyeka needs to know how to unleash credible shots; his shots in the tournament were embarrassing. His tacklings need to be neater.
– Simon needs consistency. He exploded in certain games but struggles in others.
– Chukwueze needs all round maturity. He has sadly regressed and plays Under-20 football at times.
– Zaidu needs quality deliveries and better markings and clarity in defensive vision and anticipation with more aerial proficiency. These shortcomings did put Nigeria on the back foot at times.
– Iheanacho should support defense. Had he assisted Aina better, history could have been different yesterday.
– Uzoho needs to rediscover his 2019 Nigeria vs Brazil and Ukraine form. Yes, credible alternatives are required going forward.
– Okoye (who didn't participate in the tournament) needs to leverage his Seria form and experience. The calibre of league he plays makes him on paper currently Super Eagles most high profile goalkeeper. Hopefully he can replicate his club performances in national team football.
– Yusuf needs to be resourceful and flexible. The offensive formation in the first half game brought out the beast in him. But he and Iwobi struggle to balance the dual offensive and defensive roles in a 3-4-3. Perhaps Peseiro was asking too much of them.
– Omeruo needs to retire. Thanks for your service.
– Musa needs to step aside. We remain grateful to all the won memories.
And Peseiro should seek ways that Super Eagles can be offensive, open vibrant and solid defensively.
The Super Eagles did very well however areas for improvement exist. We need to address these in time for World Cup qualifiers.
– Our wingbacks and wingers need better communication.
– Our midfield is yearning for quality long passes.
– We need a centre forward who can balance the pressings of Osimhen with the finishing of Ighalo.
– Our centre backs need to be very comfortable with an arrangement of 2 centre backs.
All in all, the Super Eagles have a fantastic platform to build from as the ‘disciple, focus, concentration and resolve’ that took them to the final serve as solid foundation.
Well done again to the boys. Despite certain shortcomings, you still proved to be a solid and credible outfit.
It was a fabulous experience laced with wonderful memories.