Indeed. Nigeria did have shape in the first leg which actually ended up been a tale of 2 halves.
Salisu Yusuf’s flat 4-4-2 formation allowed Nigeria to dominate the midfield and also provided width for the fullback to overlap and attempt crosses which bore fruits in the way of corner kicks for Nigeria earlier on.
The Super Eagles were comfortable with the ball and held sway in midfield for healthy period in the first half but changes in Ghanaian personnel and a tweak in their formation (with pep talk from the coach) ended up being the game changer.
Salisu did introduce some fresh legs for Nigeria but this failed to translate into fresh ideas as Ghana only looked more like adding to their lead – which they eventually did.
Ghanaian players justified the investment in their preparation with a compelling performance while Nigeria reaped the reward of poor preparations laced with lateness.
Still, Nigeria were decent at the back despite the 2 goals and also held firm in midfield. A more creative approach upfront might help save some face for Nigeria.
But will Salisu be able to concuct a strategy to help turn the tide in the second leg? Saturday is just round the corner for the second leg in Abuja.