Temitope Dowolemi
As Super Eagles kick-start their campaign on Sunday in Ivory Coast, a couple of changes are required for the team to operate effectively & achieve success come February 11th, 2024.
1. Ditch 4-2-4 Formation
The current set-up with 4 attackers leaves the midfield too thin leaving huge gaps to be exploited in the super eagle’s midfield by the opposition. The setup requires two highly energetic midfielders, able to carry the ball forward with aplomb and defend with equal measure. For the current crop of midfielders, this might be a tall order, especially with the absence of Ndidi. Additionally, the injury-enforced absence of strikers Awoniyi, Boniface & Sadiq Umar makes it necessary to effect a change. Thus enters the famed 3-5-2 & 4-2-3-1. In times past, during the erstwhile coach’s (Gernot Rohr) tenure, both formations have been used to varying degrees of success. The 3-5-2 offers numbers in midfield and provides defensive solidity by reverting to 5-3-2 when on the back foot. A midfield combination of Iwobi, Onyeka & Onyedika would offer stability, with Zaidu & Ola Aina as wingbacks (or even Simon Moses for more attacking impetus on the right). A combination of Osimhen & Chukwueze/Lookman would sufficiently provide the needed firepower upfront. An extra man in central defense also adds a layer of security to the center-back pairing, however, training ground practice is needed to ensure cohesion & synergy amongst the defenders. Alternatively, the 4-2-3-1 can be employed, which is a familiar formation to this current set-up, Iwobi in the hole behind Osimhen, leading the line, with two high octane, holding midfielders (Either any of Onyeka, Onyedika, or Alhasan would do) mopping up balls in the midfield. This creates a balance between attack & defense whilst unleashing the threat of Simon Moses & Chukwueze from the wings.
2. Ditch the current center-back pairing
The current center-back pairing has Seyi Ajayi & Bassey, whilst both are accomplished ball-playing defenders, a trait which suits Pasiero’s strategy. They can often be caught napping defensively as evident in their recent performance in the national colours. Alternatively, the no-nonsense attitude of Troost Ekong & the experience of Kenneth Omeruo can be pivotal to plugging the leakages in defense, a pairing that served wonderfully well in the 2019 AFCON.
3. Nurse Iheanacho back to full fitness
With the Super Eagles moving from a glut to, a striker’s crisis due to the injuries to Boniface, Awoniyi & Sadiq Umar. Iheanacho seems the only other viable route to goal apart from Osimhen. His experience, goal poaching instinct would be pivotal, especially during the qualifying rounds either as a starter or coming from the bench. His performance in the last few games has been fantastic with goals & assists (3 goals & 2 assists in the last five matches). Therefore, nursing him to full fitness and unleashing him in the inside right channel would serve as Nigeria’s potential weapon should goals fail to come from the usual source, Osimhen.
4. Solve the goalkeeping Conundrum
The performances of Uzoho have left much to be desired, with decent performances sandwiched between blunders. The reason why Adeleye, Nigeria’s most consistent goalkeeper in Europe wasn’t called up is best known to the coach (Probably the war in Israel). However, South African-based goalkeeper, Nwabali has been called up as a replacement, it remains to be seen how he adapts and if he can wrestle the first team shirt from Uzoho, especially after the confidence-dampening loss to Guinea in the recent friendly. The third choice (Enyimba’s Ojo Olorunleke) also inspires little confidence, and better options exist in the Nigerian league such as Osayi Kingdom, Amas Obasogie & Kayode Bankole, who would have provided stiffer competition for Uzoho. It is anyone's guess who gets the gaffer’s nod, but a change is needed either in personnel or confidence of the existing trusted option.
5. Play a more direct style of football
A direct style of football would need to be used, with quick interchange of passes in midfield and balls into the box for Osimhen. More crosses must be put into the box by wingers & wingbacks to enable Osimhen to display his predatory instincts in the 18-yard box. Playing to the gallery must be avoided at all costs with the adoption of a compact style making the defense impregnable and creating goalscoring opportunities for the strikers. This remains the best route to achieve success.
