Despite possessing one of the best squad at the showpiece, the Flying Eagles team failed to live up to th expectations of over 150 million Nigerians.
FIFA official site described the game as an entertaining one with everything: brilliant goals,
outrageous skill, flowing moves and, at the end, a horrible error.
So where did it go wrong for Manu Garba and his wards? Was it tactical, psychological or egotistical?
The gaffer need find answers to certain questions and unravel some puzzles if Nigeria are to make any meaningful impact in New Zealand.
1. Awoniyi vs Success
The Nigerian attack looked crowded. Players running into the spaces of others, which was evident in the first goal scored by Isaac Success. The coach has to decide on which of the pair to start and bring in the other as an impact sub.
Playing both striker exposed the Nigerian midfield which was exploited by the Brazilians.
This will also enable either Iheanacho or Sokari to play a more free role behind the striker owing to the fact that the former had minimal influence on the Brazil game.
2. Iheanacho vs Sokari
Kingsley Sokari, Nigeria Premier league young player of the year, is developing into one of the best attacking midfielders in the country. His beautiful runs, sweet interchanges and pinpoint passes has earned him praises from soccer aficionados.
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| Kelechi Iheanacho |
Already capped at full international level, Sokari has also featured for the dream team VI. He has been impressive in training but dropped for Man City's golden boy, Iheanacho, who had little impact against Brazil.
Manu Garba must have a rethink on whether to stick with Iheanacho who was unimpressive against Brazil or play Sokari who stabilized the midfield in the little stint he featured.
3. Calamitous Enahalo vs Rusty Alampasu
Another dilemma for coach Manu Garba is, deciding on who to start in goal for Nigeria in subsequent matches due to the poor showing of Enahalo.
The Mountain of Fire Ministry FC man has never convinced fans on why Manu picked him ahead of Alampasu and the unavoidable surfaced against Brazil. His howler against Brazil placed the game beyond the reach of the Nigeria.
Dele Alampasu on the other hand is match rusty as a result of injury and inaction.
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| Alampasu |
Meanwhile, first choice goalkeeper, Joshua Enaholo, has admitted that he lost concentration when he conceded two cheap goals. He spoke to FIFA.com that his concentration was not total as he conceded one of the goals but promised to improve.
"My mind was off," he said. "The ball was wet and I just couldn't get my grip properly. I must do better."
4. Wing play vs Midfield
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| Gent man, Moses Simon |
In Moses Simon, Bernard Bulbwa and even Savior Godwin, Nigeria poses speed, skills and width on the flanks. These players can also provide cover for the full backs.
5. Defensive Dilemma for Manu
The Nigerian defense shipped in 4 goals against Brazil showing that the Nigerian back-line is susceptible. Their was lack of communication between the two centre-backs, with the full backs also failing to impress.
Former Nigeria junior national team coach Alphonsus Dike urged Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba to work on the team’s defense after the Nigerian U20 national team in their World Cup
opener.
He said " The second goal came from a defensive error, they were ball-watching instead of closing up on the opponent to make sure they don’t take possession of the ball."
We can only wish our team well and hope the manager finds the right combination for each game.
Nigeria must beat Korea DPR who also lost 5-1 against Hungary, to stand a chance of qualifying for the next round of the competition.
Manu garba is gud coach he will surely make us proud again.
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