Argentina 2 Vs Nigeria 4 but it’s not world cup yet
Wild celebrations trailed the Super Eagles’ commanding victory over Argentina. Social media platforms went [and are still] buzzing with excitement on the feat of the youthful eagles’ team, with the major talking point being the comeback show put up by the Nigerian team. The excitement is quite understandable considering the fact that this was only the second time a Nigerian team will be coming out top against a star-studded Argentine team- the first of such being the 3-2 win at Atlanta ’96 which was also a comeback win. And of a truth, considering Argentina’s ranking in world football, this rare victory is worth celebrating- so, once again, bravo to the gallant eagles.
But before we get carried away by the euphoria that has come with the victory, we need to stay calm and look towards the ‘football mundial’ with great expectations [of having a wonderful outing in Russia next year]. This can only be achieved if all hands continue to be on deck.
It is no-brainer that early preparation is very essential to ensure that things turn out well at the world cup. Irrespective of the surety of this fact, fire brigade approach usually witnessed in our football circle has always been the greatest undoing- that said, I do hope complacency will not add up to that as the team is now on an appreciable winning streak. Kudos must however be given to the Amaju Pinnick-led administration that has thus worked around the clock to bring out the best in the team, and also take Nigeria’s football to the pedestal of greatness. It is to this end that I expect the NFF to keep making concerted efforts towards getting the Super Eagles in shape by organizing more grade A friendly matches like the one we just had. Plus, early camping/preparation should also be ensured if we [as a nation] wish to sustain the level of excitement we have caught from the victory over Argentina.
Though it is not world cup yet but beyond the result, there an ample of reasons why the victory is worth celebrating, and some of these (reasons) are henceforth discussed:
The competition looks good
Finally, the team is now looking more competitive as a couple of players from their outstanding display have shown the readiness to upstage the regulars. A major department that has not seen so much competition is the left full-back which had been more of a one-man show for so long now. However, the introductions of ola Aina and Bryan Idowu - who showed his intuitiveness as a modern full-back- into the setup seem to be bringing much verve to that particular position. Another player whose performance was eye-catching in the friendly against the Albiceleste was Ado Den Haag’s defender, Tyronne Ebuehi who has been waiting for his chance to don the green and white jersey of Nigeria. Though Abdullahi Shehu has been quite impressive but having another strong contender for the right full-back position is indeed a great idea. And with a youngster like Francis Uzoho coming up, is there really any reason to have Daniel Akpeyi in the team? It might be early days at the moment but things are looking very promising. Again, John Ogu, who is an old warhorse of some sort, is also looking good thus presenting more options in the midfield. Above all, with the zest we see in the team, and a strong bench in the offing, things are adding up to help the coach put up a strong squad that will be able to hold its head high even against the very best footballing nations.
Tactical flexibility
Nigeria’s national football team has been known tilted more towards 4-4-2 formation but coach Gernot Rohr has so far brought a mix with his different switches, and we have seen the Super Eagles play 4-3-3, 4-5-1 and 3-5-2 formations- the latter being aptly employed in the friendly match. What this portends is that the team’s hope does not have to always be pinned on a particular set of players- nonetheless; it is quite obvious that some players are highly influential- as the coach keeps attempting to make good use of the resources at his disposal. This (flexibility) could be very needful in the eventuality of injuries.
Now that we have beaten the fourth best team in world football- even to the distastefulness of Argentine football legend, Diego Maradona who is very much concern about national prestige- there is no doubting the fact that we have drawn attention to ourselves, and as such, the Nigerian team cannot afford to rest on its oars…there is a bigger fight ahead, and that, we must be prepared for.