Nigeria played her second straight draw with the El Tri of Mexico at the Georgia Dome in Atalanta, United States in a game that had a litany of chances and some great goalkeeping displays that contrived for the game to end in a goalless draw. The Super Eagles had a decent outing and coach Stephen Keshi and his crew would have been able to pick some positives from the game while also looking at areas and aspects of the their play that needs to be fixed. The Big Boss gave four uncapped players their debut in the game. Michael Uchebo of Cercle Brugge started the game, while the trio of Leon Balogun, Ramon Azeez and Ezekiel Imoh. Nigeria will hope to continue to use test games lined up for the team as they prepare for the World Cup as there are still issues that need to be fixed in the teams formation and playing personnel. Supersport takes a look at lessons learnt from the Mexico game, dissects areas that were found wanting and also looking at options available for Stephen Keshi as he continues to tinker the team. Sticks are sorted. Except there is a monumental tragedy or the heavens fall, Nigerians can be rest assured the sticks are done and dusted. The sticks, in this case being the goalkeeping position. Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide put up a fantastic showing against the Mexicans and their display will surely sit well with Keshi OSC Lille number one, Vincent Enyeama made a top draw save in the first half. His world class save off a Rafael Marquez header is testament to his growing reputation in France and Europe. The former Enyimba of Aba custodian punched and grabbed everything that was thrown at him to enforce his burgeoning status. Ejide, who came in the second half did well when he was called upon. The Hapoel Beer Sheva goalkeeper stood in well for Enyeama, made a couple of decent saves and was excellent in the second half. The third choice slot might just be a mere formality as it looks like the duo of Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide have the positions sewn up already. Set piece malaise: This point is a two way street. On the offensive front, Nigeria was quite poor with her set piece situations.This has to change. Set pieces have become an integral part of the game these days. Games are won and lost through this and Nigeria didnt us any of hers to great effect. Mikel, who is the designated set piece taker was too casual with his approach. On two occasions, he wasted good opportunities to set Nigeria up. The team has to work on this. On the defensive front, we were shambolic at defending set pieces. It was quite evident the players didnt know if they were going for a man to man marking or zonal marking The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up. We need to prepare well for set pieces, both on the offensive and defensive fronts. They just might be the different between three points and a loss. K.I.S.M (Keep it simple-Mikel) This writer first saw Mikel play as a lanky 13 year old on the sandy pitch of the Police Training fields of Jos, in 2001. The Chelsea midfielder was extremely creative and had a vision that bellied his tender years. Unfortunately, his progression didnt take same route as he transited into a holding midfielder. Mikel doesnt have a defined role in the Super Eagles. At the Confederations Cup, he was in his elements as he played in the offensive midfield position and his goal against Uruguay justified him playing there. Keshis formation against the Mexicans didnt do him any favors, but the midfielder also didnt help the team with his dilly dallying on the ball and failing to release the runners in the team. On numerous occasions, he slowed the transition from the defence to attack and held to the ball unnecessarily, and when he lost the ball, he didnt put in enough to regain possession thereby overworking Ogenyi Onazi who played just behind him. He needs to just keep it plain and simple. Keshi needs to find a defined role for Mikel. He might just be the fulcrum the team needs between the defence and attack and I wont bat an eye lid if the creative responsibilities are given him, He is that good. Eagles are rusty, match rusty. Of all the eleven players that started the game. Only Efe Ambrose ,Vincent Enyeama and to some degree Emmanuel Emenike had a decent 89.2 % appearance ratio for their club sides and this showed eventually as the game got into the deep end. Lets hope this changes. Elderson Echiejile, like most of the other players struggled to get their game going and fatigue set in in the second half as they could not sustain the tempo they started the game with as the Mexicans took control of the game. Enyeama was outstanding, and the reasons arent far fetched. The likes of Brown Ideye, John Ogu and Nnamdi Oduamadi, who werent invited for this game, and a lot who started the games are also struggling to get into the groove with their club sides Victor Moses didnt help himself either as his decision making was extremely poor. His usually superb first touch deserted him on a number of occasions and he also failed to release the ball when he had a teammate in a better offensive position. This can be attributed to his lack of match time at his club side Liverpool. The business end of this season is upon us and the hopefully they will get to feature before the season winds down. Fitness is everything. The more the merrier. Stephen Keshi has his hands full as he seeks to create a decent team for Nigerians. Four new players were called up for the Mexico challenge, and he (Keshi) has said he will continue to try out new players to see if more grit can be added to the squad. The more the merrier I dare say as competition for space will only mean more hard work and commitment. Leon Balogun looked assured at right back despite his few minutes on the pitch. Uchebo, Ezekiel and Azeez also showed glimpses of what they can do. Add the tasty incentive of having IK Uche ( if he is recalled) Brown Ideye, Oduamadi, Sunday Mba, John Ogu, Solomon Kwambe,Joseph Yobo and a host of others to the mix. Surely Keshi has some selection headache on his capable hands. June is a long time away in footballing terms. A lot will happen, a lot will change. The friendly game against Scotland at Fulhams Craven Cottage ground on May 28, will give us more insight into Keshis crystal ball.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 13:36:34 +0000
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