2. If Siasia can be persuaded to control his instincts and develop a game plan based on structured possession in midfield, and skillful control of tempo, Nigeria has the ability to get a win on the road against this Egyptian team.
3. Based on a 4-1-4-1, this is what I would recommend, assuming Omeruo was to become available.
4. At left back, whoever gets to start and thus has the task of marking Salah would focus defensive duties, strictly on channeling him down the line, with Onazi starting in central midfield-left, to occupy the inside channel.
5. The key strategy to the tactical organization, is structured control in midfield and control of the tempo of the game. That is why Mikel starts in a deep role, with Onazi and Etebo just ahead of him. Such a 'quarterback role' creates the space to enable Mikel play to his strength, in helping keep the shape of the team in the non-possession phase, while retaining the ability to telegraph quick breakaways with the precision long ball.
6. More importantly, this creates a 3v2 in central midfield, with the flexibility to shift towards the ball, with Mikel as anchor of an inverted triangle, and a shape to enable a controlled possession game.
7. Onazi starts on the left to create a strong left side, to both shadow Mohammed Salah as well as create the platform to exploit the space behind the Egyptian on the counter, which is why Musa starts on the left.
8. To the right of Etebo, Iheanacho starts in what is an advanced 'holding role', and an outlet to retain the ball higher up the pitch, and deliver through balls to Ighalo and Musa, as well as to push up besides the lone striker when necessary.
9. Musa takes up the widest role, of the four midfielders ahead of Mikel, and in position to attack the space behind Mohammed Salah, given the Egyptian's penchant for neglecting his defensive duties. The role also enables the team push Musa up to play as second striker, with the pace to get behind the defence to exploit Ighalo's knockdowns and hold up play.
10. Despite the criticisms from the last game, I would absolutely start Ighalo in attack. He brings a crucial ability to hold up play in a difficult road game, as well as the space awareness to run the channels. However it is crucial that Siasia build support around him, especially with Musa and Iheanacho, as he thrives best in a partnership.
11. Equally important, I would use Ighalo, along with Musa, to relentlessly press the Egyptian centerbacks, especially Hamada Tolba and goalie. But they would need to pick their time wisely...
12. Such a pressing regime is designed to force early release of the ball and constrain a structured build-up from the back. Forced release of the ball into central midfield would increase the chances the Super Eagles have of exploiting their advantage in numbers, and enhancing their ability to dominate space, even if not possession.
13. From the bench, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi can be used to change the tempo of the game, with the young Arsenal player especially useful in forcing turnovers and breaking away from deep.
14. Finally, it would be remiss of me to finish this without mentioning the dastardly role that successive NFF leaderships, including the current one, have repeatedly played in undermining the stable development of the Nigerian national team. In a period of six years, these men, have undermined the ability of Nigeria to develop three of her best young managers, through outright subterfuge (Keshi), intrigue, as well as incompetence.
15. This is why there is a sense in me that perhaps, Siasia should've declined the request to take over the team in an interim position. Perhaps then, the likes of Chris Green would finally get a chance to show us the technical wizardry that lurks in the recesses of a mediocre intellect!
