The Super Eagles of Nigeria were beaten 0-1 by Senegal in their last friendly game played at their training base in Egypt before the start of their campaign at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Owngoalnigeria.com correspondent who saw the game picked out five things he noticed in the game.
1. Akpeyi Clears Doubts Over His Readiness – One area where many Nigerians have concern about is the goalkeeper department of the senior national team of Nigeria, however in the game against Senegal, recently crowned first choice Daniel Akpeyi covered himself in glory. He was by far the reason why Nigeria conceded just once after a shaky start to the game.
2. Jamilu Collins Is Not A Wingback – The decision of coach Gernot Rohr to play the Paderborn left full back as a wingback didn’t work and despite Collins starting his career as a winger. He struggled to provide the width required of wingbacks as he tucked into the middle more often instead of staying wide.
3. Eagles Defence Without Balogun Is A Mess – Leon Balogun was missing due to illness and in his place coach Gernot Rohr played John Ogu as the third in a three man central defence. His absence was noticed as the back line lacked organization particularly in the opening exchanges and the goal conceded by Nigeria came from a mix up.
4. Wilfred Ndidi Is Super Eagles Most Important Player – Even though captain John Obi Mikel pulled the strings in midfield brilliantly, Ndidi was by far the most influential in the game as he covered almost every area on the pitch. Didn’t look lost in the duels and moved the ball around confidently.
5. Ahmed Musa’s Absence Showed – In the second half when the Super Eagles had load of possession and also created chances, the fact that Musa was missing affected their style of attack as his pace would have further stretched the defence of the Senegalese for the others in attack to profit from.
