Nigeria
began their 2018 World Cup campaign on a bad note, losing 2-0 to Croatia on
Saturday night.
The result
leaves the Super Eagles bottom of Group D.
But what
other things did we learn from the game?
1. Rohr got
it all wrong: We all know that 4-3-3 is his beloved formation, but it was
obvious from the last friendly matches that 3-5-2 suits this team. Because it
is the formation that brings out the best in Alex Iwobi, who is by far the
creative hub of this team. And also free the wingbacks to provide width, while
Mikel Obi and Wilfred Ndidi bring solidity at the base of midfield.
2. Croatia
were not that special: For all the talk of their firebrand midfield, the Croats
didn’t exactly blow the Super Eagles away. What gave them the edge and
ultimately the victory, was the fine margins in football. It would be
interesting to see how they fare against Argentina in their second game.
3. All or
nothing: The Eagles take on Iceland in the next match on Friday. Before the
tournament, this was a game we wrote off as three points. However, having
played a creditable 1-1 draw with Argentina, you can’t toss Iceland aside. But
for Nigeria, it will be all or nothing. Anything other than a win, means they
are out.
4. Unlucky
Etebo: Oghenekaro Etebo had a decent game overall. He was a mobile and
energetic presence in midfield and repaid Rohr’s faith. There was nothing he
could do about the first goal Nigeria conceded and I hope Rohr sticks with him
for the next game.
5. Bad subs:
Rohr has earned a reputation for being a ‘second-half coach’. However, his
substitutions were very poor. First, he didn’t revert to a 3-5-2. And when he
had to pull out a player, it was Alex Iwobi! Not Mikel Obi. Or Victor Moses.
Even Kelechi Iheanacho seemed to slip onto the pitch. A real mess.
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