The Super Eagles have been underwhelming in the last couple of games.
Gernot Rohr’s team were utterly sub-par in the stalemate against DR Congo in Port Harcourt, left it too late in England and didn’t even show up in the defeat to the Czech Republic.
Although, it would be rather harsh to write-off the side based on warm-up matches, however, Nigerians have noticed certain cracks that need urgent fixing.
Here are five.
1 – Shehu or Ebuehi at right-back?
Even with Ola Aina out of the picture, Rohr doesn’t seem sure of his first choice at the right side of the defence. Tyronne Ebuehi started against DRC but replaced Shehu Abdullahi midway through the last two matches.
2 – Echiejele or Idowu on the left?
Brian Idowu came with a bang. He scored on his debut against Argentina and made Nigerians believe he was everything Elderson Echiejele wasn’t. Since then, however, his performances have been woeful.
3 – Why John Ogu in defence?
When the team list against Czech was released, Nigerians were excited at the sight of John Ogu. But surprisingly and for the second successive game, the touring midfield was deployed out of position in defence. But why?
4 – 4-3-3 or 3-5-2?
Rohr is obviously still experimenting. His side lacks identity without any clear system. Unorthodox but courageous, the Franco-German tweaks his formation depending on the opposition. But even the best managers have their preferred pattern, he must do so.
5 – Why always second half?
There seems to be an ugly trend with the Super Eagles. Clueless in the first half, they turn up like young men on steroids in the second. They did so against Argentina, almost succeeded against England but failed in completely Austria.
