Nigeria’s Super Eagles thriving on weakness amidst failure of their strength

Super Eagles of Nigeria progresses into the knockout rounds of the African Cup of Nations, AFCON after amassing seven points out of a possible nine to finish second behind Equatorial Guniea in Group A.

It looked as though the three time winners made a mess of their chances of progressing from the group, one that comprises of host Ivory Coast, after being held in a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guniea.

Albeit Jose Peseiro’s minions had the better chances to go on and win the game after drawing level through Victor Osimhen, they were unable to convert further chances, hence dropped two points.

The result meant Nigeria headed into the second game against Ivory Coast as the underdogs becuase of the host’s comfortable win in their first game, a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau.

Super Eagles were also under a lot of pressure, as Equatorial Guniea had defeated Guinea-Bissau 4-2 thanks to a Emilio Nsue’s hat-trick and moved three points ahead of the West African, hours before the kickoff in Abidjan.

Again, Victor Osimhen was presented a big chance to give the 2013 winner an early lead but could not convert. However, the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award winner make up for his miss by winning the penalty that earned his side all the points.

It was almost certain they’ll qualify for the next round after that big win. The propect of finishing as the group winner was also very bright, until Equatorial Guniea proved they are no pushovers as they thrashed Ivory Coast 4-0 in their final group game.

With Nigeria only able to better Guinea-Bissau courtesy of an Opa Sangante’s own goal six minutes after the half-hour mark.

With seven points, Nigeria joins Cape Verde, Senegal and Equatorial Guniea in the round of 16, equaling their run in the previous edition of the tournament two years ago in Cameroon.

Strength turning weakness for AFCON

Heading into the AFCON, the attack is the most anticipated of Nigeria’s set-up as they parade some of the biggest names in the department, amongst their peers in the continent.

Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi and plenty others. Unfortunately, injuries set in and some big names had to withdraw.

Nevertheless, Victor Osimhen alone represents the biggest football name in Africa at the moment and will be expected to lead the lines for the seven time finalist in any case. But even a goal and a penalty won in three games is not enough to brand him productive and effective so far.

Nigeria has missed nine of eleven big chances in the AFCON so far, two numbers which represent the most of any other side in the tournament so far.

The attackers, most especially Victor Osimhen, who has missed four of those big chance, have not lived up to the billing in Ivory Coast.

Weakness turning strength for Nigeria

Ahead of the start of the tournament, Super Eagles only two clean sheets in eleven games came against minor Sao Tome and Principe, and another against Guinea-Bissau.

They were shambles defensively and the Goalkeeper department was a big weakness, with Francis Uzoho not having a good relationship with fans due to his response to critics he was exposed to.

However, so far in Ivory Coast, their two clean sheets is the most of any other side, while they have also conceded the least amount of goals, one.

Chippa United Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has come in and earned the spot with good performances against Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau, though he was beaten rather cheaply by Equatorial Guniea’s Iban Salvador.

Shielded by the likes of Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina and others, he has saved all eight shots faced since conceding from Equatorial Guniea’s only shot on target against Nigeria.

As the popular Sir Alex Ferguson quote goes, “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles,” the defence provide Nigerians reasons to be optimistic heading into the knockout rounds.

However, Super Eagles will also need the attackers to up their game, so that they can easily see off opponents and not allow complacency cost them when the going gets tougher.

Hassan Afolabi