I have seen a lot of reviews of Okoye following the Cape Verde match, most negative, largely based on the goal he conceded at the near post.
The conclusion from the 19th minute goal is that he had an awful, horrendous game. Some have since called for his replacement.
Ironically, most reviews are unanimous that he was largely untested, and besides the goal he conceded, largely dealt with any other problems that came his way.
The Goal:
On the goal, he clearly gambled on the shot going to his wide side, which is often never a good decision. Most GK coaches will teach focus on the fundamentals FIRST; which in this case was simple. Cover your near post! He failed clearly.
However, the concession of a goal, often requires greater analysis than a simple finger pointing. Yes, goals can be the direct result of goalkeeping howlers, but most goals are the result of larger problems and failures, before the ball ever gets to the goalie, however much we might expect them to deal with the problem.
Larger Issues:
Against Cape Verde, Rohr largely set up Nigeria in a low to medium block. In the early part of the game though, Nigeria was pushing high, and keeping a high defensive line (see below).
© 2021 Imgur, Inc
However, the integrity of that defensive line was highly compromised, resulting in three defensive lines, where there should be only one!
What is worse, save for the first, none of those other lines could've stopped a fly, much less the goal scorer Dylan Tavares, from being offsides!!!
Further upfield, there was an appalling lack of pressure on Roberto Lopes, left to enjoy the tranquil of Shamrock Island, with time and space willingly afforded to pick his head up and deliver the ball over the top...
Clearly, this was a front to back team failure, including the goalkeeper who at the very least should defend his covered side.
But it also points to larger issues in the tactical organization of the team and the choices made by a normally conservative manager.
Normally, this could be excused by the fact that this was an entirely unfamiliar defensive quartet, and this is indeed true. However, the same issues are evident in the main team.
There is a continuing lack of detail in the tactical organization of the team, especially without the ball. What is unclear to me is whether this is simply a coaching failure, individual player failure, a combination of the two, or a lack of quality in the options available to national team selectors..
Overall Performance:
The focus on the goal conceded has the unfortunate effect of sometimes overshadowing what was a functional and professional performance on the road in an African world cup qualifier.
After conceding in the 19min, Nigeria dominated the first half and was denied a go-ahead goal, following the equalizer by good goalkeeping.
In the 2nd half, Nigeria setup a low to medium block and, bar one through ball which was marginally offside, was untroubled, as the space behind for the ball over the top no longer existed..
Looking (Slightly) Ahead:
The performance also showcased the depth of this team, and the two debuting central midfielders, Bonke and Michaels, have probably played themselves into the main squad.
With very few opportunities for international friendlies as a result of the pandemic, there is a need to push the envelope a bit in looking for options to challenge in central defence, especially with regard to Kevin Akpoguma.
