Completesportsnigeria.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU presents seven major talking points from Nigerian Super Eagles versus Democratic Republic of Congo friendly clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Monday, May 28 2018.
1. Uzoho Proved He Is Ready For The Big Task
Since his debut appearance for the Super Eagles in a friendly game against Argentina last November,( as half time substitute for Daniel Akpeyi), Francis Uzoho has mannned the goal for the three-time African champions against Poland, Serbia and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Though, there were divided opinions on his performance in those games, against the Congolese, he looked solid and ready for the number one job in Russia.
The Deportivo La Coruna of Spain goalie made three key saves and commanded his area well unlike in the games against Poland and Serbia.
2. No Mikel Obi, No Super Eagles?
Super Eagles inspirational captain, John Mikel Obi, didn’t feature in the team’s previous two games going into the game against Democratic Republic of Congo. His absence was badly felt in those games as the team lacked a proper leader with no proper coordination in their play.
In his absence again against the Congolese, the trio of Ogenyi Onazi, Joel Obi and Kelechi Iheanacho failed to stamp their authority in the game and the opponent clearly dominate the midfield.
Mikel’s presence and form will undoubtedly play a key role on how far the team will go in Russia.
3. ‘Oyinbo Wall’ Looked Shaky Again
The once reliable ‘Oyinbo wall’ combination of William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun was once again exposed by the Congolese who made them work harder than expected in the game.
With the duo expected to face stronger opponents in Russia, the fans of the Super Eagles can expect more nervy moments at the World Cup.
4. Simy Nwankwo Showed Promise On His Debut
Though he was isolated up front for most of the game, and lacked quality service from the midfielders, lanky forward, Simy Nwankwo, showed that he has a future in the Super Eagles with his impressive performance.
He was unlucky not to be on the score sheet. His well struck shot hit the post in the first half and he also had a well placed header after the break saved by the Congolese goalkeeper.
5. Poor Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium Turf Affected Super Eagles’ Performance
It is difficult to fathom why the Nigeria Football Federation settled for the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium as venue for this game as against the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium which hosted the team’s home matches in the qualifiers for the World Cup.
The pitch was in bad shape and didn’t give the players the chance to express themselves.
It also exposed the players to the danger of copping injuries which could as well affect their chances of playing at the World Cup. No wonder some of the players preferred to play safe in the game.
6. Echiejile Looked Like a Spent Force
Super Eagles left-back Elderson Echiejile spent 45 minutes on the pitch and hardly impressed as he was pinned back by the Congolese forwards.
Ola Aina looked more lively after replacing him and it is hard to see the latter earning a berth in Russia on the basis of this performance.
7. Ebuehi Not In Abdullahi’s Class In The Right-Back
The Benfica new signing is one of the highly rated defenders in the team, but on the basis of his showing against Dr Congo, didn’t prove he is good enough to pick a shirt ahead of the Bursaspor defender Shehu Abdullahi in the right-back position. Ebuehi lacked the calmness and overlapping ability of Abdullahi.
COMMENTS
Simmy(9), victor(7), Iwobi(11), Mikel(10),Otebo/Nwakali(8), NDIDI(4) ,Ogu(3), abdulahi/aina(2), Balogun(5), troost(6),Ozoho (1)
With the above 1st eleven, Nigeria will win WC 2018. Prophecy101. Onazi,Idowu,ebuehi,Agu, Echejile, Musa , Nacho,K Lokosa, Agbo, Omerous, Eze, Awazierem, are second choice if the chips are down. Nwakali was not invited. Please CS help tell NFF to call up Nwakali, K. We need to smile in this tournament.
REPLY
Both Ebuehi and Shehu are not good enough compared to world class Right back all we need is Musa Mohammed for right back politics is still killing our football how can a good right back be kept away from national team Nigeria shock me o yet we keep crying everyday of lack of good full back…. when we musa Mohammed for right and Mustapha Ibrahim for left back there is God
I dnt knw y rohr kip ommiting musa muhammed he is d bezt man for d job
i wonder why nigerians keep on criticising super eagles after friendly match wt DR congo, dat they did not play well and all that . dat was just a friendly and too close to d world cup, thus, our players must play safe to avoid injury. d players used their wisdom in dat match. presently, we do not know d faith of one of our best, moses simon. eagles, pls, try and play safe in all ur friendlies. up super eagles. mr. obilor osondu, JAMB Office, lafia, Nasarawa State
Those who were calling for Musa Mohammed and mustapha Ibrahim. can you just tell me which club they play for and their contribution in their respective clubs. You want d coach to drop already established players with wealth of experience for big European club for untested players simply because of sentiment and ethnicity that is affecting us as a country. What makes u to think those guys mentioned will do better than them if eventually they are invited? And is this the best of time to experiment with them? We
are going to the world cup pls allow the coach to do his work. And for the writer I disagree with you on Ebuehi he did his best, dont think Sehu can better than that we saw him when he came on for him. He and Sehu is good for that position.
Its like he was watching the back of the TV.. Ebuehi’s tackles were clean, composed while in defence, good offensive play… Compared to shehu who seemed heavy and could not make a tangible impact while he was subbed in.. Sentiments apart,I still prefer ebuehi to shehu. And for the vice captain (onazi). The guy is clueless, can’t do clean marking,can’t make simple passes and at the same time, he does not understand the rhythm of football… He should be on the first eleven(11).
Should not rather(onazi)
Personally, I am of the opinion that this is the closest we have gotten to the level of 94 team at least, in terms of preparation and selection (though player for player, the 94 team is light years ahead of this current team both in terms of technical ability and tactical discipline).
It is also note worthy to commend gernot rohr for his consistency and effective man/ team management. But what I can honestly not understand, is what MIKEL AGU, is doing on that list even if I want to turn bad eye to the inclusion of Onazi (on the sentimental ground that he is the vice captain of team and because his coach said he plays according to instruction). Since the the inclusion of agu in the team, I cannot remember any match in which he (agu) featured and his rating is above 4 (4 because am in a good mood ordinarily 2-3 would have summarized his shambolic and below par performance thus far). Just imagine the current list with a Mikel obi, Kelechi nwakali(if wishes were horses…)and ndidi with an etebo and chidiebere on the bench. Choi! What a glorious WC midfield it would have been for Nigeria but unfortunately we are not the coach and no matter how in-depth our knowledge of how the SE should play or be listed, the wish and decision of the coach must be respected because at the end of the day, the BUCK stops at his table. Win or lose, only him and him alone faces the music.
who say .musa Muhammed is better than ebuehu and shehu just because of one dribbling and goal…as for me take echiejile out and our defence is solid…shehu and idowu can do the job….our midfield is our only problem …both Joel and onazi are yet to impress me…I think I would go for etebo, Mikel and ndidi…
rohr just keep wasting iwobi in attack…use that guy in midfield…