Super Flacons v Tunisia: 3-0 Retrospective Review

Well, let me keep it real: I didn’t watch this match, I couldn’t watch it because it was not live on YouTube. However, from what I could cobble together from the brief highlight I watched and information available on the internet, one can make something of a subjective judgement of the direction of travel of the Super Falcons.

Coach Madugu is your quintessential Nigeria coach. His formation is clear enough, even from highlights, and he allows the players to fully express themselves which was evidence in how Okoronkwo and Plumptre in particular went about their business.

Plumptre was like an Alsatian dog let off the leash! She overlapped with impunity, delivering a wide range of gratuitous, yet extremely dangerous crosses, leading to a pre-assist and several tantalising goal-scoring chances (it’s a shame she missed out on “player of the match” accolade).

Okoronkwo was irrepressible, ever the show-boater, but with wicked intention and ruthless efficiency. Her fancy footwork dazzled and dazed the opposition, adding a layer of flair and flamboyance into the Super Falcons' presentation. Some other tactically grounded coach might seek to curb her excesses, but I doubt Madugu will do that; me? I am loving it; I just hope she doesn’t overdo it against a more formidable opposition.

Madugu arranged the players in their natural positions, something I was most pleased with. That said, I think Abiodun and Ucheibe will struggle to fully maximise the opportunities afforded them in a more offensive role.

Abiodun did drive into opposition area and produced an excellent attempt at goal. But, for the most part, a player with a keen eye for late runs, clinical finishes, and sumptuous passes will be better suited. The coach plays something of a diamond 3 in the middle: 1 DM, 1CM (with dual attacking and defensive roles) and on AM. It is that CM roles that needs a player with more vision, creativity, a penchant for late runs, and offensive bite.

The team relies on the 2 wingbacks to incessantly overlap and deliver dangerous crosses, which Alozie and Plumptre delivered in spades. The team proved deadly with set-pieces as on lead to a goal and others created mayhem for the opposition.

Oshoala, ever the target of vitriol from a horde of fans, looked sharp and dialled in. She almost bagged a second goal after a mazy run and nearly registered an assist with a neat pass to Abiodun who drew a save from the Tunisia goalie.

I was shocked to see how physical Rinsola turned out to be as she often ploughed through a body of opposition defenders with reckless abandon.

What else? Yeah, AI (Artificial Intelligence).

Based on the calibre of our strikers and the quality of their shots on the day, AI reckoned that 3.06 goals will be scored and 3.33 shots would be on target. Well, AI was bang on the money! There were 9 Super Falcons shots actually on target out of 24 in total, 16 of which were taken inside the opposition 18 yard box. Super Falcons registered 39 touches in the opposition's area.

AI expected Nnadozie to concede 0 goals and Tunisian counterpart to concede 3.33 goals. The team recorded an 83% pass accuracy, something some fans who watched live will refute!

Nigeria’s goals, for me, were well taken: Oshoala’s dipping header, Babajide’s bullish finish, and Iheuzo’s opportunism.

My bottom line: The Super Falcons did the business with 3 unrequited goals. They appeared relaxed, at ease and in control.

But, I don’t think they were as business-like as one would expect. From the highlights, there was a structure, an approach, and togetherness. What I think is missing is “enhanced refinement”, by which I mean a higher-level tactical application.

Expressive play compromises positional discipline and tactical integrity in modern football.

From the highlights, attention and adherence to the structure of their own formation weren’t always evident, something that could be exploited by a more formidable outfit.

For now, well done to the team!