As the Super Eagles of Nigeria gear up for their game against Cameroon tomorrow, Owngoalnigeria.com takes a look at the five things the Gernot Rohr tutored side must do to avoid defeat in the round of 16 clash.
1. Avoid Conceding First : It’s slowly becoming a problem that when the Super Eagles fall behind under Gernot Rohr as coach they didn’t come back in any of the game. In competitive games it has happened four times and they lost in all four against South Africa, Croatia, Argentina and Madagascar.
The key to securing a spot in the knockout round could be not conceding first in the round of 16 game against Cameroon.
2. Overload The Box – The one area Cameroon has struggled badly is in attack but in defence they have managed to be solid at the rear, however they conceded lot of chances and if Nigeria can have men in the box they will no doubt capitalise on their lack of organization at the back to good effect.
3. Avoid Silly Mistake In Defence – In games like this little margins matters meaning most times, the margin for error is zero. While trying to play from the back isn’t a bad idea the Super Eagles will do well if they cut out individual errors at the back to avoid gifting goal chance to a goal shy Cameroon team.
4. Defend The Flanks Well – Clinton Njie and Christian Bassogog are two players who give the Lions of Cameroon option to play from wide areas. They might not be the best in terms of scoring goals but their pace and quick feet need to be put in check as it could open space for them to feed Eric Chuopo-Moting with the balls he need to wreck havoc.
5. Play Two Players In Attack – From the games of the Super Eagles of Nigeria so far at the Africa Cup of Nations, it’s clear to see that the lone striker role Rohr has tasked the duo of Paul Onuachu and Odion Ighalo to play hasn’t worked out as planned. Reverting to a 4-4-2 formation will no doubt give whoever lead the line for Nigeria the chance to play to his potential with another player behind.
