The decision to play John Obi Mikel as number ten for Nigeria in the 1-0 win over Burundi didn’t work out as planned and as expected coach Gernot Rohr has been criticised over the decision by several session of the Nigerian media.
Mikel struggled to come to terms with the role and for large spell of the game he was by far the weak link in the Nigerian team before he was substituted for Ahmed Musa as Nigeria search for the winner.
Following his substitution the team immediately started playing really well and got the lone goal that gave them the much needed three points that has taken them to the top of the group after Guinea played out a 2-2 draw against Madagascar.
Explaining the decision, a backroom staff of the team said the coach decided to play the captain in that role as they noticed that Burundi are not good in defending crosses and his height will give them an extra edge in the box.
The decision didn’t work as planned as the wingers in the team didn’t take advantage of his height and that of Paul Onuachu, no thanks to their poor deliveries when in promising position, particularly Alex Iwobi.
Rohr instructed the full backs and wingers to swing in high crosses but most times they either cross it too low or under hit it totally and that left the duo of Mikel and Onuachu isolated hence the reason why both of them struggled and were subsequently substituted.
Based on reports, Mikel will most likely return to his role in front of the defence against Guinea on Wednesday and one of the trio of Oghenekaro Etebo, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will likely miss out on a spot in the starting lineup.
