
Former Super Eagles sharpshooter Jonathan Akpoborie recently stated his satisfaction with the job done by recently appointed coach Jose Peseiro.
It’s a good one that the Super Eagles (recently) defeated Sao Tome 10-0, that will at least send some message to other teams in Africa. My major concern is for the coaching crew to maintain stability in the team.”
It’s hard to understand what Akpoborie was trying to say by imploring the new Super Eagles coach to ‘maintain a stable team’.
I guess every coach wants stability in their their team and this equally applies to Jose Peseiro. It depends on what Akpoborie actually meant by ‘stability’.
Without being arrogant, Nigeria should qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Between now and then is roughly 12 months. In that time, quite a number of Nigerian players would have done well in club football while others would have sadly lost form or would get injured.
So, maintaining the same starting 11 from now all the way to Ivory Coast next year will be near impossible.
However, all things remaining equal, Peseiro has more than enough personnel to carry out his tactical vision on the pitch. Peseiro is taking the talk. He believes Nigeria has enough talent to win next year’s Afcon and he has the brains to facilitate that success with the right tactical approach.
And his tactical approach embodies wing play, a twin strike force, fluid midfield, a solid defence with a reliable goalkeeper. Where ever you look, Nigeria has the players to fill in the roles to bring to life Peseiro’s ideas.
The question is, which players have the possibility to be guaranteed a starting 11 slot if they stay fit?
For now, these could be the following: Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen. I think all other positions are potentially up for grabs.
I strongly believe exciting times lie ahead. Peseiro is single minded. He has a ruthless desire to succeed with Nigeria.
Hopefully he can pull it off.
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