Mujtahida:

When I rewatched the match I realised that tension puts an entirely different color on things. Actually prior to that goal Argentina did nothing order than knock the ball around. The goal gave them the illusion of effectiveness. But in second half we came on strong. The commentator said 5 shots on target, 3 goals(that was before iwobi's last goal) and said we are very accurate. Meanwhile Argentina were still knocking the ball around.
I like the way Argentina presses sha although it made us take them apart with our counters.
One should be wary how he takes match analysis here during and shortly after a match. It's mostly tinged with emotion

junnyjake:


I'm not downplaying the importance of preparing well for the WC though. Those qualifiers are also of importance to us and also to our WC preparations.


I agree with your 2nd paragraph, by that time, the season is still a bit fresh and crucial, most teams would be looking to hold on to their players for bonding.

There are 6 matches to be played, good luck to CAF spreading them from November to months before June/july when the competition kicks off.

Mujtahida:

It's not looking like a good decision. Moreover like you suggested earlier playing the qualifiers in March can also double as part of WC preparations.

Let's not look at things exclusively from the WC perspective and leave the Afcon to suffer cos the real consequences of that decision will settle in after the WC is over. European, South American and other federations will go home and we be suffering congested Afcon qualifiers timetable.

neighy:
yeah there is something bou their pressing it really affected us in the first half we could hardly make 5passes without losing the ball

Mujtahida:

When I rewatched the match I realised that tension puts an entirely different color on things. Actually prior to that goal Argentina did nothing order than knock the ball around. The goal gave them the illusion of effectiveness. But in second half we came on strong. The commentator said 5 shots on target, 3 goals(that was before iwobi's last goal) and said we are very accurate. Meanwhile Argentina were still knocking the ball around.
I like the way Argentina presses sha although it made us take them apart with our counters.
One should be wary how he takes match analysis here during and shortly after a match. It's mostly tinged with emotion

Joebie:
11 LESSONS TO DRAW FROM NIGERIA’S WIN OVER ARGENTINA
Add Comment 3 hours ago by Bryan Efe



After due consideration of various commentaries, in the aftermath of the Nigeria-Argentina friendly, I feel obliged to present my opinion. I have waited patiently for the emotions to die down, carefully considering three perspectives -- the loser's, the winner's, as well as that of those who did not have any stake on that match-day -- to make the most objective submission possible, on the lessons Nigeria can draw from that unexpected victory.

1. A friendly is what it is -- a friendly

One should expect that referees are usually less strict at this competitive level. The Super Eagles would have paid dearly for one of their player's costly mistake, notably, Daniel Akpeyi's handling the ball outside his area. In a World Cup situation, that event would have been a game changer in favor of the Argentines, as Akpeyi would have been sent off, and a forced substitution would have been made to pave way for a second choice goalkeeper. Argentina, a team that depends a lot on high possession, pressing and passing game will make any opponent with an inferior numerical strength, pay dearly. Thank goodness it was just a friendly! Hence, the Super Eagles must not rest on its oars.

2. Argentina missed Lionel Messi

Nigeria benefited immensely from the absence of Messi in the Argentina squad. Now this is no excuse for Argentina. To say Messi has been influential for the La Albiceleste will be an understatement. The five-times Ballon d'or winner carried Argentina on his shoulders on the road to their world cup qualification. This is rather a lesson to learn for Argentina, as the coach rightly insinuated in the post-match press conference, that a one-man team is a bad idea, and it played against them in the loss. Messi is the kind of player that can make a difference. Need I make this argument? With what we saw from Nigeria's performance especially in the first half, Argentina would have wrapped up the game early had an in-form Messi been on the pitch, and this would have affected the Nigerian players, psychologically. A fight back for the Super Eagles would have been difficult -- although still possible.  So what's the lesson here? In the World Cup proper, teams will be looking to punish us early, and their strategy may be to hold on to the lead by defending and relying on counter attacks. Let's keep this in mind as we have been in a similar situation in the world cup stage in the past.

3. Super Eagles showed boldness and determination

This point may sound contradictory to the second, but what I'm presenting here is an all encompassing submission. Granted, some teams will punish you early, but the Super Eagles players, showed character by starting the fight back in the first half through Kelechi Iheanacho's free-kick goal. That goal made the job easier for Gernot Rohr at the break. There is a big difference, talking to your players about getting back from two goals down versus motivating them to get back from just a goal down. The players already had the believe that they could draw level, they just needed directection. Gernot Rohr, as director-in-chief, did just that at the break, with timely instructions and substitutions.

4. With Gernot Rohr, there is time for everything

Gernot Rohr may have well been misunderstood during the World Cup qualifiers. Many commentators have been of the opinion that he is a conservative coach. Rohr's change of formation from the overused 4-2-3-1 to a never used 3-5-2 in a friendly of such magnitude shows the Franco-German tactician is open to experimentation at the right moment, considering the match was not a must win.

5. A Lesson or two as regards Aina and Shehu

A three center back formation relies heavily on pacy and dogged wing backs, who should have the capability of performing their duties for 90 minutes. Nigeria's wing backs at the first half, fell short in this regard. Olaoluwa Aina and Abdullahi Shehu did not perform to expectation, especially as they did not offer much options going forward. Nigeria must now learn never to deploy the aforementioned players as wing backs unless the players positioned at left-center-back, and right-center-back, are instructed to make up for spaces should they forward. Even in this case, Aina and Shehu must improve in their recovery if they must be considered to start in this formation, going forward. they also lacked tenacity in attack.

6. Iheanacho, on set pieces

Kelechi Iheanacho is composed enough to take Nigeria's set pieces. He should be our man for spot-kicks, free kicks and corner kicks, as long as he is on the pitch. He's never showed a lack of confidence with his left foot, in those situations. And let me also chip this in. The Leicester forward is beginning to show that he still has the instinct for brilliant key passes, considering his double assist against Argentina -- reminiscent of his Golden Eaglet days.

7. Victor Moses is replaceable at least...

Chelsea wing-back, Victor Moses, is not indispensable at least when Nigeria is playing with three men at the rear. With the formation against Argentina, Tyronne Ebuehi showed dynamism with a solid defensive display and with impressive fast movement going forward, characteristic of world class wing backs. He completely commanded his area while defending. With sweeping tackles and timely blocks he withstood everything that was thrown at him for 45 minutes with aplomb. Ebuehi, with his performance against Argentina, showed us he can replace Victor Moses, easily, as wing back. At least, this is debatable.

8. In Idowu, Nigeria may have just solved a lingering problem.

Left wing back, Bryan Idowu was simply the truth against Argentina. He had a debut every debutant would die for, scoring with his first touch, to put Nigeria ahead in the game for the first time, and doing all the necessary at the rear. For years, since the prime days of Celestine Babayaro, the Super Eagles has endured a lack of good options in the left back defense department. Although it may be too early to conclude that Bryan Idowu has knocked out super regular Elderson Echiejile from contention, a repeat performance from the Russian-Nigerian will definitely put an end to Echiejile's reign as the Super Eagles left back king.

9. Perfecting the false nines.

The most lethal sides today rely heavily on dynamism in attack, with all forwards ever-switching positions during the run of play, and all capable of scoring -- hence, false nines. Against Argentina, Nigeria showed such dynamism. Two-goal hero, Alex Iwobi, who has mostly played as a winger for Nigeria, continued to show he is more lethal drifting in, to the middle. All Iwobi's four goals for Nigeria have come from the center of the attack line. Kelechi Iheancho -- who scored a goal, and provided two assists for Nigeria against Argentina  -- likewise,  have also been deadly for Nigeria, drifting in the front. Team captain, John Obi Mikel, who is not a center forward, supplied 3 goals for Nigeria during the qualifiers. Therefore, Nigeria survived the world cup qualifiers without a true nine, except for Odion Ighalo who only managed a goal during the qualifiers. Nigeria's precise execution at the front against Argentina, shows the team may have just perfected the science of dynamism with false nines.

10. Hard tackling as strength and weakness

The Super Eagles is a physical side -- an asset that played to Nigeria's advantage in the win. However, it could also be a weakness in more serious competitions like the world cup, as some referees will not hesitate to flash yellow cards at will, especially against sides showing physical superiority -- West African countries especially. A noteworthy event was Kelechi Iheanacho elbowing Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi. That would have attracted a red card in a more competitive game. Gernot Rohr must check his boys on discipline, going forward.

11. Mikel's indispensability, a risk.

John Obi Mikel must not advance when Nigeria is not in possession. His momentary lack of positional awareness, created a gap Argentina exploited in their quick build up to the second goal. Even Wilfrend Ndidi and John Ogu could not stop the Argentines. This goes to show that Nigeria will always feel Mikel's absence. Something needs to be done about this quickly. No player should be indispensable to an extent that their absence can easily spell doom. This is a danger sign. Can Mikel ever be deputized? Please leave your comments or recommendations.

--Spotkik

Mujtahida:

It's not looking like a good decision. Moreover like you suggested earlier playing the qualifiers in March can also double as part of WC preparations.

Let's not look at things exclusively from the WC perspective and leave the Afcon to suffer cos the real consequences of that decision will settle in after the WC is over. European, South American and other federations will go home and we be suffering congested Afcon qualifiers timetable.

Mujtahida:

Ohhhhhh my God! Hahaha hahahaha hahahaha Goodjoe ehn. You are insufferable. But the bolded is what we've been saying since na. Inquire by asking, then you know who feels and who does not feel Nigerian

Only thing me I still believe in convincing those who do not 'feel Nigerian'. It takes just a smile of a little Nigerian boy, the touch of warmth and hospitality and love from us to change the feeling of 'not feeling Nigerian' to 'feeling Nigerian.'

Mind you by our Constitution they are already Nigerian citizen. It's just for footballing reasons that we get into all this switch issues.

Mujtahida:
"The opportunity to play for Nigeria is a big step in my career, I'm just 21 years old, I just started. Of course William (Troost-Ekong) was an important person who helped me come to Nigeria. He told me positive things about the country so that was why I also made the decision to play for Nigeria. I believe 100 per cent it's the best step to take."
Ebuehi speaking in a video recorded by the NFF. Source:Completesportsnigeria.com

Note: Ekong spoke to him and told him positive things.

Joebie:
One advice for you. Read your submission at least once before you post.
I have bolded your first line. Read through it again and again. Now tell me what it means.

TheGoodJoe:


You tell me. It is clear as daylight.

You can have a 4-4-2 formation. The selection of players can make it attacking or defensive. Yet it is still 4-4-2.

Gerrit?

andrew444:


Peru and Costa Rica did not qualify from the same outlet,Peru is from South America which include Brazil and co then Costa Rica is from North America which include Mexico USA and co,and mind you last FIFA World Cup,Uruguay and Costa Rica was at the same group so please check your fact, thank you

TheGoodJoe:


I have said it over and over again. Even said I okayed Joebie's suggestion because it means we are searching for those willing to play for Nigeria. It helps us find out who wants to play for us.

It will take more than a smile to make someone who does not feel Nigerian to feel Nigerian. Go to Dele Alli and smile for three years. He will not feel Nigerian. I have said they have the right to play for Nigerians because they are Nigerian. However, if they do not feel Nigerian, they can go to where they want. I for one and millions of Nigerians, home and abroad will not miss them.

Touch, smile, hospitality. Why stop there? Roll out red carpet.

Dedebanky85:
On game days I don't even sniff Nairaland. I manage Twitter. A game is barely 5 mins with some players not even touching the ball and all you read are abuses. I have to check and ensure thT I'm not watching a game that's already over. We are too hasty online. Even the ones that read on goal.com, or are following Twitter feeds also abuse. I tend to wait till the game is over and can rewatch the game again before it's taken down to have a better player assessment.

Mujtahida:

Colin not Collins

But I wonder why he'd bear the name and not go with the popular spelling.

komekn:


You miss the point completely.

Aluko was called he answered and put up a commanding performance. He was in the EPL at this stage. And after him.and Hope did so well they call ups ended we then took a number of mediocre players to the World cup.

Nonetheless. Aluko has been continously consistent with very good performances. At both championship and EPL. in the current team there isn't anybody that will leave him standing.

Chrismario:


This Sone Aluko, Is he messi?
He has been playing in below par league all his life save for one or two seasons in EPL. If he is so good, he would be in mid table team.

Even if he chosed England, there's higher possibility that he would remain capless till today.

BascoVanVeli:


I tried....the check bounced and I almost got arrested

Daejoyoung:

I get your point on Aluko, but Anichebe(though very good) is not a very consistent player, l don't think he would do better than lghalo, Kayode, or Dessers(If called up). The fact is, we can't call everybody at this point, we must first look out for our weakest positions like the left back or Attacking midfield, going by this I'll agree with you that we can call up an Aluko or joel obi to see what they can offer.

tbaba1234:


Aluko was never really in contention for an England call-up but it is not because of a lack of ability. How many English players play in scotland or the championship . He did not set the Premier League alight..

That said, Aluko will be a great addition to the current team.

Danielnino00:
Until the next international window,lemme amuse myself on this thread by seeing the continuous mention of names like Some Aluko,Ramon Azeez,Thiago Ilori,Obafemi Martins,etc that some people want us to take to the world cup
As if they don't know that Baba Rohr is taking a large chunk of the WCQ boys to Russia.



Thus thread might even hit 3000 pages before thus year ends due to the endless argument

junnyjake:
One thing I found consistent with the Argentines verdict on the game was that we were a very physical side. I love that. If you play against an African team and your body No tell you when you reach haz, which African team you play Biko?

But make we no sha go jam one kind ref wey de get joy only when him de share cards

forgiveness:


How did you know? Did you follow him?

Why am I even asking? Because from your statement, you know nothing about him.

Mujtahida:

I think we would get one of those German born guys. I read in a forum that Felix Uduokhai seems to be leaning towards opting for Nigeria as his recent decisions to not attend the German U20 squad and his non listing for the recent German U21 friendly internationals suggest. Please confirm.
But something is definitely afoot for Rohr to say that new players will break in.

Danielnino00:




The way they are praising this Aluko ehn ..Somebody said he singlehandedly helped Hull city gain promotion to the EPL and was in contention to make the three lions team while at Rangers.. Lwkmd When was the last time a Scottish based or Championship player made the three lions squad? Tom Heaton might be the last to get a call up from the championship while he was with Burnley..

Aluko might indeed be the man to deputise for Mikel in the AMF role, like some people are saying, but biko,this hype too much