#WorldCupUpdates: IN THE CIRCUS OF FOOTBALL WITZARDS HOW NIGERIA WILL CONTINUE TO SURPRISE THE WORLD- Next Matches. NIGERIA vs FRANCE is a win-win for Nigeria today by 5PM (BST) going by analysis here. NIGERIA vs GERMANY ( odd stake: Calculating Algeria exit tonight as they cant match the German Machines ). NIGERIA vs BRAZIL (If Columbia gives way to the host in a July 4th war on the pitch!) Nigeria now in the most challenging stages in the world cup as hurdles against France, most probably Germany and Brazil (quarter and semi-final rounds) must be whizzed past in order to reach the Final. Learning how to surprise the world is by learning how to correct yourselves. The Super Eagles played a good match against Argentina on Wednesday but lost 3-2. While we can say they played well is because they are still in the competition. In the knockout stage, the mistakes made and punished by Argentina will mean that the team would be homebound by now. But Stephen Keshi acknowledged after the match that his team has to continue to improve in all areas. The first touch has to improve The gap between Nigeria and Argentina is not a gulf but one thing separating the best from the average is the ability to receive, retain and release the ball appropriately. Against Argentina, the first touch of most of the Eagles players was a shocker. Many times the Argentines got the ball off the Eagles because of a bad first touch. The first touch on the ball determines the danger or safety that the player receiving the ball will be in. If he receives it poorly, it is danger to his team as the opposition can counter immediately especially if it is in his area of the pitch. If he receives the ball well, his release is almost sure to be good. Mikel is not helping the team The strong point of Mikel’s games ‘used’ to be the ability to hold on to the ball and not get dispossessed easily but in the three games he has played in Brazil, he has turned the ball over so many times and when he does give it away, his greater crime is he does not take the pains to recover his defensive position, thereby leaving Onazi with a difficult job. Mikel is also overworking Onazi in the middle of the pitch. Mikel must take heed that as the most celebrated player for Nigeria in Brazil, it will befit his star status to lead the team by example. Emenike is not getting the right service. Yes! So many times during the three games, Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi have been trying to find Emmanuel Emenike with a long ball. Yes, he is powerful and fast but the defenders he is up against are also fast and intelligent. The Fenerbahce forward has not received one pass direct on goal in this tournament but he has provided two assists in three matches. He needs one-on-one situations to be created for him with passes from his fellow players and that is when he will be able to maximize his power and pace. Defending set pieces The Eagles conceded two goals to Argentina - one from a free kick and another from a corner kick, which was so poorly marked that Marcus Rojo could not understand his luck of finding himself free in the box to knee in Argentina’s third goal. Messi’s second goal saw Vincent Enyeama set up a poor wall – this is not taking anything away from Messi’s genius but another two metres to his left and the wall jumping could have made the difference for Nigeria. Keshi has to use his substitutions better The Super Eagles threw on two players in the last 25 minutes of the game against Argentina on Wednesday but it is hard to remember what either of Michael Uchebo or Uche Nwofor did to affect the game. We were chasing a equaliser but both players – forwards combined only once, in the 82nd minute when Michael Uchebo tried to get his shot off from outside the box which was blocked with the chance set up by Uche Nwofor. ConclusionThere is still work to be done but the building blacks are in place as the Eagles created the goals they scored with build-up starting in the middle of the pitch. Against France, they will have to cut out the mistakes and be very wary of the heading prowess of Olivier Giroud but beating France is a task that can be and should be done. Analysis by Jide Alaka of FCnaija
Posted on: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 09:25:20 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015