Dear God, Give Us This Day

The last time Nigeria played in the second round of the World Cup was 16 years ago in France. Having topped a tough group comprising favourites, Spain, Bulgaria and Paraguay, Nigeria filed out against their second round opponents, Denmark with a quarter-final date with Brazil in mind. Need I state here what happened?

 

Ready to go...!

Today, the actors and every index may be different but psychology is dangerously of same mold. Iran look easy on paper and Nigerians are busy, talking of second match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Have we beaten Iran? Are we truly certain of beating the Arab nation?

We can beat Iran but we must not enter the pitch thinking we already did. This World Cup is full of shocks. Croatia held Brazil with grips until the referee started his bizarre gifts. Holland shamed pundits by devouring Spain. Costa Rica tore bookmakers’ forms to shreds by eclipsing reigning South American Champions, Uruguay. Bosnia kept every one guessing with their toe-to-toe battle with Argentina. Australia went down 1-3 to Chile but that result hugely flattered the South Americans. And the shock list goes on...

I haven’t watched much of Iran to start analyzing their players and tactics but I know enough of their coach, Carlos Quieroz to anticipate a very tactical approach.

The Super Eagles are no longer the Eagles of the 90s and early 2000… you won’t see Uche Okechukwu, Chidi Nwanu, Ben Iroha, Sunday Oliseh, Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Samson Siasia, Rashid Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Finidi George … yes, we actually had all these in one team… how could I have forgotten the bull, Daniel Amokachi?

But what we lack in big stars, we subtly make up with a healthy unit. Football is a team game. While stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can single-handedly win matches, compactness and positive spirit like in Athletico Madrid can equally get you over more illustrious sides. The Eagles showed this ability while flying past Cote D’Ivoire in the last Nations Cup. Besides Elderson Echejile and Sunday Mba, that unit is still intact. But while Echejile will be deeply missed, the absence of Mba can be easily filled with the presence of Osaze Odenwinge, Michael Uchebo.

Vincent Enyeama is arguably one of the best five keepers in the world presently. While injury derailed Kenneth Omeruo’s progression after that marvelous Nations Cup outing, his partner in middle of defense, Humphrey Oboabona has even progressed further now that he plies his trade in Tunkey. Efe Ambrose is ever dependable.

In the middle, the Ogeniyi Onazi of today is not that one we saw in the Nations Cup. His confidence has so grown that one mistakes him for Mikel Obi most times on the ball. He packs the bullets of an Oliseh too and don’t count out his riffling one in from one of his rockets. Obi on his part seems presently underwhelmed by his unpalatable bench roles at Chelsea this ended season. But the Neni-born midfield linchpin knows he’s not going back to Chelsea and there’s no better place to attract juicy suitors than at the World Cup. Besides, this is his first World Cup and he rarely disappoints in an Eagle jersey. My feeling grows by the day that Mikel will be one of the stars of this Mundial. The third midfielder is a case now. If Keshi decides to play Mikel in the No. 10 role, then the choice to partner Onazi in the holding role would lie between Reuben Gabriel and Ramon Azeez. I’m not comfortable with either and really should prefer pairing Onazi  with Mikel… in this high level, safety should be paramount. Then, I’d play Osaze in front of the duo as my No. 10.

The attack should easily sort itself out with Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa flanking Emmanuel Emenike. This attack is full of pace while Emenike adds power.

The problem may start sifting in if any starter gets injured. Already the left back is bare with only Juwon Oshanawon the only natural in the team. Can the Eagles really play without Onazi or Mikel? Your guess. However, in attack, Stephen Keshi seems comfortably endowed with the likes of Shola Emeobi, Uche Nwafor, Uchebo, Babatunde, Uzoenyi … any two or three of these can come in and change things tactically.

Dear God, may the Eagles not witness injuries, especially in defense and midfield.

Tactically, Keshi has no option than to play 4-3-3. That’s his most effective option judging from players at his disposal. Ever since Keshi beat Cote D’Ivoire at the Nations Cup, I’ve always trusted him. Big Boss, this is the World Cup, rise up to it and shame your critics once more.

Come On, You Eagles!