The Nigerian national team, led by interim coach Finidi George, began their journey with a victory, defeating Ghana 2-1, as per Vavel
This win marked their first triumph against their continental rivals since 2006. It served as an opportunity to assess the team’s progress following their impressive performance at the AFCON, where they secured a second-place finish.
Additionally, the match signified the beginning of a new era post-Peseiro, as the Portuguese coach departed on a high note with a silver medal. The game provided insights into the Super Eagles’ development and what lies ahead for the Nigerian national team.
Sports Buddy, in a recent article, looked into 5 areas in which both nations battled for dominance. The areas listed include football, economy and national dynamics, music, cuisine, and athletics.
Build up play from Nigeria’s defense
Nigeria showcased a refreshing approach to building up play in their victory against Ghana. Unlike their tactics during the AFCON under the previous manager, which relied heavily on hopeful long balls for Osimhen to pursue or hold up, the team now prioritized patient build-up from the back.
This shift allowed the Super Eagles to exert better control over the game and provided a more appealing style of play. Throughout the match, they consistently attempted to initiate attacks from deep positions, demonstrating the impressive technical ability of the Nigerian players.
Nwabali’s newly discovered passing abilities
Andre Onana, Manuel Neuer, Alisson, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Ederson, among others, are goalkeepers in teams that prioritize patient and methodical build-up play, requiring them to be comfortable on the ball.
Nwabali remained relatively unknown before the AFCON, but it was during the tournament that many Nigerians discovered his self-confidence and shot-stopping ability. However, our assessment of the Chippa United goalkeeper is ongoing, with time unveiling more of his qualities.
As mentioned earlier, Finidi instructed his players to build attacks from the back, and in the Jollof Derby victory, we witnessed that our goalkeeper, Nwabali, is not only a reliable last line of defense but also a capable initiator of attacks. He displayed remarkable ease and confidence in distributing the ball against the Ghanaian press, whether through short or long passes.
Ndidi’s impact: A huge difference-maker
Before the start of the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria suffered from a shortage of resources due to several key players being sidelined with injuries. The absence of Wilfred Ndidi, notably, had a significant impact, as demonstrated by his influential performance against Ghana, reminding everyone of his importance to the team.
Despite Nigeria’s ability to defy expectations and reach the final, Ndidi’s presence could have potentially propelled them to championship status, as evidenced by their recent victory over Ghana. His absence forced Alex Iwobi into a deeper role, limiting his effectiveness in his preferred position. Ndidi’s return allowed Iwobi to excel and showcased the synergy between the two players, emphasizing the significance of Ndidi’s contributions in midfield.
