1. First, a creditable result against one of the powers of world football.
2. Overall a very impressive defensive organization. But a bit strange watching a tournament-style defensive performance in an international friendly.
3. Great communication and transitioning of roles/assignments between players in the defensive phase. Using the wide players to pick up Brazilian players breaking into space on the switch of play, with great communication between the wide players and the fullbacks. Iwobi and Osimhen would do a lot of work in controlling the space high up in the center of the field, making it difficult to run at the defence in open play.
4. The Nigerian defense would repeatedly bend but not break. A deep seating defensive organization would force Brazil to play quicker through midfield, but great work rate and organization between the lines would considerably reduce the final impact of the South American's dominance in possession.
5. Brazil's reliance on crosses and of course set-pieces for the goal and the shots off the woodwork was ample testimony to the defensive shift put in by Nigeria.
6. Disappointing though to see Ajayi lose his aerial duel with Marquinhos, leading to the equalizer. Should've been quicker in closing down Firmino on the snap turn and shot in the first half. Despite that, he had a strong game, especially in his reading of the game and I look forward to seeing more of him. Nigeria needs an upgrade in central defence.
The second header by Marquinhos was a foul on Collins. But you expect the SC Paderborn defender to be stronger...Thought he was really good in recovering his position as well as his 1v1 defending against a very tricky opponent.
7. Brazil would make two great breakthroughs as Nigeria started to tire from about the 75min. You have to wonder why Genort Rohr, even in a friendly is slow to make changes!
Of Possession, Beauty and Bravehearts
8. The beauty of possession is in the eye of the beholding coach! Brazil had 70 percent of possession. You expect Brazil to dominate possession against Nigeria, so the focus should rightly be on the quality, not the absolute number of possession.
9. There is a glaring lack of stability in the Nigerian possession game; often scrambled, discordant and lacking in fluidity. Crucially, it limits the effectiveness of the counterattacking game, especially given the speed and technical skills of its attacking trio.
10. While this was to be expected with the retirement of Mikel Obi, a substantial part of this is related to the lack of bravery and dynamism in Genort Rohr's approach and his lack of trust in the technical skills of the players.
11. So far, Rohr's personnel decisions have been absolutely spot on and a post Mikel team is emerging clearly, although I am still to be convinced about Onuachu. But he needs loosen up and take greater risks in both his personnel decisions as well as tactics.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Super Eagles: Time for a Reset
Following elimination in the AFCON semi-final by Algeria, Nigeria enters a very important crossroads in the development of the Super Eagles.
One value of the tournament is that it gives African teams a chance to assess progress midway before the next world cup, and make necessary course corrections, to build on progress or restart the project.
Nigeria under Gernot Rohr has come a considerable way, following failure to qualify for two back to back Nations Cups.
Progress Under Rohr
The progress in squad development following the late Stephen Keshi's team is quite obvious. This is perhaps Rohr's most important achievement so far: a stable and progressively growing squad, with new players being introduced slowly...
In defence, two young specialist fullbacks have emerged from this competition in Aina and Collins, with competent backups to create one of the most competitive positions in the team.
In central defence, Omeruo brought his La Liga performance to the competition, complete with its highs and lows, in combination with Ekong. An initially solid defensive organization, progressively declined on the strength of individual mistakes. More quality options are needed in central defence.
If the defensive organization was initially good, in goal there is no such equivocation. Nigeria paraded a trio of incompetent goalkeepers, each with no upsides. None capable of further development. All three terminal cases and dead-enders. There is no option but to look for better alternatives. The fact that Nigeria is in this position by itself points to greater issues about the development of the game that I will address later.
In central midfield, Ndidi has emerged as a clear leader and next to Etebo, in my view the best central midfield combo in the competition. But there are clear weaknesses in both players, with Ndidi still learning the position, and Etebo, for all his industry, inconsistent in his use of the ball, and average in defending space. In fairness to him, some of this is coming from the tactical decisions of the coach. More on this later...
In the wide areas, Rohr has supervised the emergence of a set of players that makes this the most competitive position in the team. The quintet of Musa, Simon, Chukwueze, Samuel and Onyekuru hold much promise for the future, especially with a more dynamic approach.
In the central striker role, Odion Ighalo brought a level of work rate that I have not seen for a while in the Super Eagles, and while Rohr has slowly built up additional options in Onuachu and Osimhen, this is clearly a weak position for the team.
Tactical Organization:
Tactically, it was always clear that Rohr is of a conservative bent, and on that, the man has been a model of consistency. This has resulted in a team often seating deep in midfield, inviting the opposition, any opposition, and looking to breakaway in open play, especially in the wide areas.
It has also produced some strong defensive organization at AFCON especially, betrayed only by individual errors, notably from Balogun and Omeruo.
However, the above merits are quickly negated by a chronic lack of imagination in the attacking phase, with players generally fit into well-formed straight jackets, where a wide player is a wide player, and a striker is a burly center forward, forever with back to goal, chasing down cul de sacs...
The result is a team growing, but only in millimeters, with little innovative thinking in midfield or attack. When tasked to find solutions to support the play on the field, adjustments when they have come, have been delivered cautiously; always cautiously, like the Nigerian road-sign: "slow men at work"!
For much of the game against Algeria, the young Samuel Chukwueze would struggle to find space behind the fullback and double coverage, to run onto. But on the bench his manager dithered in varying the points at which he picked up the ball to give him different looks and ask different questions of the Algerian defence. And when he tired out, Henry Onyekuru would be introduced, to do the very same thing! Perhaps his shock of blonde hair was the different look!!!
The tactical shape of the Nigerian midfield has remained a conundrum, starting with the idea of Mikel Obi in attacking midfield. At the heart of central midfield, Etebo continues to be used in a far more horizontal way than his best skills suggest- a box to box midfielder. While it is true that not enough credible options currently exist in midfield, it is equally true that the situation is constrained by a lack of dynamism in approach.
There is not an underdog tag available that Rohr has not clutched at, often with the fervor of a man hanging on to a ship wreck! While I understand much of this to be coach-speak, it is the reflection of this in the ensuing tactics that I find disconcerting.
In the crucial opening game at the last world cup, this mind set would lead to an approach that was focused far more on countering the perceived strengths of Croatia than on exploiting an opposing defence lacking in pace in wide areas, ironically the strength of his team.
However, this is not to absolve players from individual failures, such as Ndidi conceding a dangerous freekick in the last minute of injury time, or Omeruo repeatedly gifting the opponent in the penalty area, or Alex Iwobi's diabolical performance against Algeria....But I am reminded of this quote from Liverpool manager, from back in his early days at Mainz.
Time for a Reset
In assessing the 3-year tenure of Genot Rohr, it is obvious that there are plenty of positives. It is therefore a legitimate position to advocate for continuity in the national team by retaining him. What is more, there are clear risks in making a course correction at this stage. Such a move is replete with potential minefields, and nothing as always is guaranteed.
But nonetheless I come to a different conclusion, even while agreeing with Rohr's assessment that this team will get better. And I did not reach this position as a result of the Algeria defeat. Indeed, even an AFCON triumph would not have led me to a different conclusion!
Why is this?
Philosophically, Rohr's tactical concept of the game neither suits the Nigerian concept of the game and what it should be in 2019, nor does it meet Nigeria's ambitions, even recognizing some of the limitations of talent.
The sight of Nigeria repeatedly lumping the ball forwards in search of the big target man, playing with back to goal, rather than playing through midfield, with attacking patterns of play based on passing and movement, as opposed to overcoming in 1v1 situations, is simply not acceptable.
The young players who have emerged from Rohr's tenure or are emerging in Europe deserve a more forward thinking manager. A manager who doesn't see the game in "monosyllables", forever reluctant to engage tactically!
Recommendations:
In advocating for a change, I also include in this a change in our approach to the recruitment of coaches. First of all, the old dichotomy between foreign and local coaches cannot stand any basic test of logic. It is irrelevant whether the coach is Nigerian, European, South American, from Kafanchan or Saskatchewan! What matters is the competence of the coach and the suitability of his philosophy of the game.
Secondly, as currently constituted, the NFF is not equipped to carry this task out on its won, and I would seriously recommend the short-term engagement of our own Mike Emenalo for his professional assistance.
And if we are not able/willing to engage with professional recruitment, then it would be best to leave Rohr in place and extend his contract, although that would be a clear mistake in my opinion.
Domestic Focus:
What is clear from our inability to find a competent goalkeeper is that the domestic game is not developing players properly. A fact that was also evident in the U-20 team.
For us to regenerate the national team for the long term, we must address weaknesses in the development of local players, through renewed focus on the national league.
It is especially imperative, in the immediate period, that we revamp the process for selection of players to the youth teams and focus, not entirely on winning at all cost, but in exposing exceptional young talent at the global level.
Too many of the players coming through our youth teams are either age inappropriate or simply not high quality talent. We must challenge our national team youth coaches to engage in comprehensive scouting for talent as was the case in the past with Sebastian Brodericks and Fanny Amu.
We need to return to the schools system as the framework for selecting young players, especially at the U-17 level.
Going forward, the options before us appear crystal clear. Continuing with Rohr will bring stability. We will likely qualify for the next world cup and next AFCON. We will improve the team and the Super Eagles will grow. But only marginally....
Reflecting on the s/final loss, the coach said as follows: “It was a big fight until the last minute, it was a wonderful match, I think my players wanted it to go to extra time thinking Algeria were more tired,” Rohr was quoted as saying by Reuters.
The above statement encapsulates the Super Eagles under Genort Rohr: never able to seize the moment and the advantage staring them squarely in the face!
The question is, are we willing to accept marginal, incremental progress? For me the answer is No!
One value of the tournament is that it gives African teams a chance to assess progress midway before the next world cup, and make necessary course corrections, to build on progress or restart the project.
Nigeria under Gernot Rohr has come a considerable way, following failure to qualify for two back to back Nations Cups.
Progress Under Rohr
The progress in squad development following the late Stephen Keshi's team is quite obvious. This is perhaps Rohr's most important achievement so far: a stable and progressively growing squad, with new players being introduced slowly...
In defence, two young specialist fullbacks have emerged from this competition in Aina and Collins, with competent backups to create one of the most competitive positions in the team.
In central defence, Omeruo brought his La Liga performance to the competition, complete with its highs and lows, in combination with Ekong. An initially solid defensive organization, progressively declined on the strength of individual mistakes. More quality options are needed in central defence.
If the defensive organization was initially good, in goal there is no such equivocation. Nigeria paraded a trio of incompetent goalkeepers, each with no upsides. None capable of further development. All three terminal cases and dead-enders. There is no option but to look for better alternatives. The fact that Nigeria is in this position by itself points to greater issues about the development of the game that I will address later.
In central midfield, Ndidi has emerged as a clear leader and next to Etebo, in my view the best central midfield combo in the competition. But there are clear weaknesses in both players, with Ndidi still learning the position, and Etebo, for all his industry, inconsistent in his use of the ball, and average in defending space. In fairness to him, some of this is coming from the tactical decisions of the coach. More on this later...
In the wide areas, Rohr has supervised the emergence of a set of players that makes this the most competitive position in the team. The quintet of Musa, Simon, Chukwueze, Samuel and Onyekuru hold much promise for the future, especially with a more dynamic approach.
In the central striker role, Odion Ighalo brought a level of work rate that I have not seen for a while in the Super Eagles, and while Rohr has slowly built up additional options in Onuachu and Osimhen, this is clearly a weak position for the team.
Tactical Organization:
Tactically, it was always clear that Rohr is of a conservative bent, and on that, the man has been a model of consistency. This has resulted in a team often seating deep in midfield, inviting the opposition, any opposition, and looking to breakaway in open play, especially in the wide areas.
It has also produced some strong defensive organization at AFCON especially, betrayed only by individual errors, notably from Balogun and Omeruo.
However, the above merits are quickly negated by a chronic lack of imagination in the attacking phase, with players generally fit into well-formed straight jackets, where a wide player is a wide player, and a striker is a burly center forward, forever with back to goal, chasing down cul de sacs...
The result is a team growing, but only in millimeters, with little innovative thinking in midfield or attack. When tasked to find solutions to support the play on the field, adjustments when they have come, have been delivered cautiously; always cautiously, like the Nigerian road-sign: "slow men at work"!
For much of the game against Algeria, the young Samuel Chukwueze would struggle to find space behind the fullback and double coverage, to run onto. But on the bench his manager dithered in varying the points at which he picked up the ball to give him different looks and ask different questions of the Algerian defence. And when he tired out, Henry Onyekuru would be introduced, to do the very same thing! Perhaps his shock of blonde hair was the different look!!!
The tactical shape of the Nigerian midfield has remained a conundrum, starting with the idea of Mikel Obi in attacking midfield. At the heart of central midfield, Etebo continues to be used in a far more horizontal way than his best skills suggest- a box to box midfielder. While it is true that not enough credible options currently exist in midfield, it is equally true that the situation is constrained by a lack of dynamism in approach.
There is not an underdog tag available that Rohr has not clutched at, often with the fervor of a man hanging on to a ship wreck! While I understand much of this to be coach-speak, it is the reflection of this in the ensuing tactics that I find disconcerting.
In the crucial opening game at the last world cup, this mind set would lead to an approach that was focused far more on countering the perceived strengths of Croatia than on exploiting an opposing defence lacking in pace in wide areas, ironically the strength of his team.
However, this is not to absolve players from individual failures, such as Ndidi conceding a dangerous freekick in the last minute of injury time, or Omeruo repeatedly gifting the opponent in the penalty area, or Alex Iwobi's diabolical performance against Algeria....But I am reminded of this quote from Liverpool manager, from back in his early days at Mainz.
"We watched this very boring video, 500 times, of Sacchi doing defensive drills, using sticks and without the ball, with Maldini, Baresi and Albertini. We used to think before then that if the other players are better, you have to lose. After that we learned anything is possible – you can beat better teams by using tactics." Jurgen Klopp
Time for a Reset
In assessing the 3-year tenure of Genot Rohr, it is obvious that there are plenty of positives. It is therefore a legitimate position to advocate for continuity in the national team by retaining him. What is more, there are clear risks in making a course correction at this stage. Such a move is replete with potential minefields, and nothing as always is guaranteed.
But nonetheless I come to a different conclusion, even while agreeing with Rohr's assessment that this team will get better. And I did not reach this position as a result of the Algeria defeat. Indeed, even an AFCON triumph would not have led me to a different conclusion!
Why is this?
Philosophically, Rohr's tactical concept of the game neither suits the Nigerian concept of the game and what it should be in 2019, nor does it meet Nigeria's ambitions, even recognizing some of the limitations of talent.
The sight of Nigeria repeatedly lumping the ball forwards in search of the big target man, playing with back to goal, rather than playing through midfield, with attacking patterns of play based on passing and movement, as opposed to overcoming in 1v1 situations, is simply not acceptable.
The young players who have emerged from Rohr's tenure or are emerging in Europe deserve a more forward thinking manager. A manager who doesn't see the game in "monosyllables", forever reluctant to engage tactically!
Recommendations:
In advocating for a change, I also include in this a change in our approach to the recruitment of coaches. First of all, the old dichotomy between foreign and local coaches cannot stand any basic test of logic. It is irrelevant whether the coach is Nigerian, European, South American, from Kafanchan or Saskatchewan! What matters is the competence of the coach and the suitability of his philosophy of the game.
Secondly, as currently constituted, the NFF is not equipped to carry this task out on its won, and I would seriously recommend the short-term engagement of our own Mike Emenalo for his professional assistance.
And if we are not able/willing to engage with professional recruitment, then it would be best to leave Rohr in place and extend his contract, although that would be a clear mistake in my opinion.
Domestic Focus:
What is clear from our inability to find a competent goalkeeper is that the domestic game is not developing players properly. A fact that was also evident in the U-20 team.
For us to regenerate the national team for the long term, we must address weaknesses in the development of local players, through renewed focus on the national league.
It is especially imperative, in the immediate period, that we revamp the process for selection of players to the youth teams and focus, not entirely on winning at all cost, but in exposing exceptional young talent at the global level.
Too many of the players coming through our youth teams are either age inappropriate or simply not high quality talent. We must challenge our national team youth coaches to engage in comprehensive scouting for talent as was the case in the past with Sebastian Brodericks and Fanny Amu.
We need to return to the schools system as the framework for selecting young players, especially at the U-17 level.
Going forward, the options before us appear crystal clear. Continuing with Rohr will bring stability. We will likely qualify for the next world cup and next AFCON. We will improve the team and the Super Eagles will grow. But only marginally....
Reflecting on the s/final loss, the coach said as follows: “It was a big fight until the last minute, it was a wonderful match, I think my players wanted it to go to extra time thinking Algeria were more tired,” Rohr was quoted as saying by Reuters.
The above statement encapsulates the Super Eagles under Genort Rohr: never able to seize the moment and the advantage staring them squarely in the face!
The question is, are we willing to accept marginal, incremental progress? For me the answer is No!
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Wake Up Africa!!!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the FIFA Women World Cup going on in France. As a student of the game, it's been fascinating watching the steady development of the women game and the bridging of the gap between Europe especially, and the US, the dominant team in the women game.
What I have not enjoyed however, is the African participation. And by African participation I mean the whole gamut of participants, from players to officials and fans.
Suddenly African fans in their large numbers have become a bunch of whiners; whining endlessly at referees and VAR decisions, all the while clueless about the rules of the game, and apparently too lazy to get off their couches and learn the fvucking rules!!!
I don't know which is worse, the whining African fans or the sympathetic liberals on Western TV talking about how these women players may not have seen VAR in their lives, or how they have not been supported- true....
But can we get off this crap!
There is no conspiracy out there to deny African women of a chance to progress in the World Cup. How do I know that?
First there are a lot of serious things in the world that someone might want to conspire about. Football is just not one of them...
More importantly, African officials already conspired to short change the women (and men) anyways, and long before they arrived in France! As I write, the Nigerian women have not been fully paid their bonuses!!
People should educate themselves about the rules of the game. Yes, I too screamed in frustration at the VAR decision on the penalty kick retake against France.
But guess what? I calmed the fvck down and accepted the decision for what it was- a correct interpretation of the rules!
Now, did I like the rules? Hell no!
It is a prime example of mindless over-governance of the game. But it is the rule. So get on with it!
A lot has been written about the Scotland-Cameroon game, with African fans up in arms about everything, conveniently ignoring at least two red card worthy offences by Cameroon, a country with a long and rich history of agricultural tackles in men, women and youth football...
But let me be clear: those Cameroonian players, every one of them, including their officials, are a DISGRACE to their heritage. A disgrace to themselves and their families, and a disgrace to African football!
Those players need to be sanctioned seriously, especially the vile spitting player, if found guilty. They need to be made an example of, so nobody ever ventures in that direction again. The Cameroonian FA and officials, including the mealy mouthed Alain Djeumfa, need to be fined heavily for failing to control their players.
If the players do not understand the application of VAR, perhaps they should take a break from football, because VAR is not going away anytime soon. It is here to stay; thankfully! Hopefully; and I use the word advisably, we might be spared of Mike Dean or Jon Moss next season!!!
It is a sad spectacle watching and listening to my people hyper ventilate about VAR and refs, without a thought to how the women game is not developing in Africa countries like Nigeria, with a head start over several European countries, have now lagged far behind, to the point of being made a welfare case!!!
There is endless bloviation about how the media stereotypes African women footballers as "naive", "physical", "athletic", etc...
I'm sorry that the western media do not use the words "balletic" or "swan-like" instead to describe our players. Perhaps that would soothe your damn nerves!
But let me remind you that the US women have risen to the top of the women game and remained there on the basis of superior athleticism, work rate, power and tactical awareness!
It cannot be a stereotype if it is a fact! The African game is based on speed, power, athleticism and spontaneous creativity, like the "nkpokiti" rhythm and dancers.
True, many of these commentators do not truly understand the African game. True, many of them see the African game from their perspective.
But I have no interest in the words. Rather my interest is in our inability to use those qualities that are spoken about, yes- physicality, athleticism and power, to drive a coordinated team game.
How can we harness these qualities to advance the modern team game? That is what interests me. And if you are a serious follower of the African game, it should interest you too!!
What I have not enjoyed however, is the African participation. And by African participation I mean the whole gamut of participants, from players to officials and fans.
Suddenly African fans in their large numbers have become a bunch of whiners; whining endlessly at referees and VAR decisions, all the while clueless about the rules of the game, and apparently too lazy to get off their couches and learn the fvucking rules!!!
I don't know which is worse, the whining African fans or the sympathetic liberals on Western TV talking about how these women players may not have seen VAR in their lives, or how they have not been supported- true....
But can we get off this crap!
There is no conspiracy out there to deny African women of a chance to progress in the World Cup. How do I know that?
First there are a lot of serious things in the world that someone might want to conspire about. Football is just not one of them...
More importantly, African officials already conspired to short change the women (and men) anyways, and long before they arrived in France! As I write, the Nigerian women have not been fully paid their bonuses!!
People should educate themselves about the rules of the game. Yes, I too screamed in frustration at the VAR decision on the penalty kick retake against France.
But guess what? I calmed the fvck down and accepted the decision for what it was- a correct interpretation of the rules!
Now, did I like the rules? Hell no!
It is a prime example of mindless over-governance of the game. But it is the rule. So get on with it!
A lot has been written about the Scotland-Cameroon game, with African fans up in arms about everything, conveniently ignoring at least two red card worthy offences by Cameroon, a country with a long and rich history of agricultural tackles in men, women and youth football...
But let me be clear: those Cameroonian players, every one of them, including their officials, are a DISGRACE to their heritage. A disgrace to themselves and their families, and a disgrace to African football!
Those players need to be sanctioned seriously, especially the vile spitting player, if found guilty. They need to be made an example of, so nobody ever ventures in that direction again. The Cameroonian FA and officials, including the mealy mouthed Alain Djeumfa, need to be fined heavily for failing to control their players.
If the players do not understand the application of VAR, perhaps they should take a break from football, because VAR is not going away anytime soon. It is here to stay; thankfully! Hopefully; and I use the word advisably, we might be spared of Mike Dean or Jon Moss next season!!!
It is a sad spectacle watching and listening to my people hyper ventilate about VAR and refs, without a thought to how the women game is not developing in Africa countries like Nigeria, with a head start over several European countries, have now lagged far behind, to the point of being made a welfare case!!!
There is endless bloviation about how the media stereotypes African women footballers as "naive", "physical", "athletic", etc...
I'm sorry that the western media do not use the words "balletic" or "swan-like" instead to describe our players. Perhaps that would soothe your damn nerves!
But let me remind you that the US women have risen to the top of the women game and remained there on the basis of superior athleticism, work rate, power and tactical awareness!
It cannot be a stereotype if it is a fact! The African game is based on speed, power, athleticism and spontaneous creativity, like the "nkpokiti" rhythm and dancers.
True, many of these commentators do not truly understand the African game. True, many of them see the African game from their perspective.
But I have no interest in the words. Rather my interest is in our inability to use those qualities that are spoken about, yes- physicality, athleticism and power, to drive a coordinated team game.
How can we harness these qualities to advance the modern team game? That is what interests me. And if you are a serious follower of the African game, it should interest you too!!
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Nigeria Begins a Post World Cup Era with Seychelles
Nigeria's match against Seychelles marked the beginning of the second half of the Gernot Rohr era, following a largely unremarkable world cup, defined more by what could've been.
Readers of my blog might have noticed that I am yet to pen a review of Nigeria's world cup performance. This is largely the result of the fact that in my opinion, the key issues in the overall performance reflect long term problems that relate more to Pinnick and his leadership of the NFF, than Gernot Rohr, and would need to be addressed separately.
The reality is that the production of talent, both in terms of quality and numbers has stalled badly in Nigeria, and this relates to issues in the organization of the domestic game, both at the technical and the management level. The Nigerian domestic game has proven to be incapable of developing players of international calibre, a situation that has existed since the early 2000s, with no serious attempt at resolution. Perhaps nothing underlined this sad state of affairs than the use of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, from the youth side of a relegated La Liga side.
In addition the Nigerian clubs as currently constituted, are completely lacking a professional environment in which players can develop to be high level international footballers. This is the remit of Amaju Pinnick and the NFF. And until this is seriously addressed, Nigeria will continue to rely on individual players breaking through from all shades and tiers of European football.
Like it was at the World Cup, the result against Seychelles was as expected as it was unremarkable, and underlines the fact that Rohr's cautious approach is set to continue.
Nigeria largely controlled a game of poor quality and few remarkable moments rather easily, and on a pitch that once again underlines the lack of appreciation of the value of a good playing field by African football associations...
On the technical side, the game also highlighted CONTINUING issues on the personnel side that need to be addressed, if Nigeria must return to the pinnacle of the African game and rise above the muddle and mediocrity in the continent at the moment.
Attack:
In attack, the continued reliance on Odion Ighalo, while understandable in the short term, remains an issue in need of greater effort and urgency at resolution by the coach. Thus far, Rohr's approach has been to keep faith in the player, expecting that his hard work and experience will come through. In fairness to the coach, there are few, if any genuine alternatives. What we have instead are either unproven players or players with questionable potentials, often performing at low levels, with little consistency, and that would require patience and gradual introduction.
But this is not to say that Rohr is entirely blameless. He has more options than he has used consistently, as a result of his over reliance on the big burly striker, who can hold up the ball. Thus far, he has chosen to bring the wide players closer to Ighalo in the final third. But he has also not returned to the use of Musa in a central attacking role as he did successfully against Argentina in Russia, which could potentially open up space for greater use of the likes of Onyekuru....
There is also the continued lack of cutting edge in the final third, in large part from a reluctance to deploy midfield runners as arrivals in the penalty area, a quality quite evident in Ndidi and Joel Obi.
What is abundantly clear however is that Odion Ighalo is not an international level striker and continued reliance on him is foolhardy. Both the NFF and Rohr can do better in developing more capable options. In my opinion, the Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke is a very viable option that needs to be explored, his lack of first team action notwithstanding.
Midfield:
In midfield, Mikel Obi's continued presence is not assured and his international career is surely coming to an end. In a deeper role, his presence will not be missed as Ndidi is a very capable and assured replacement.
The challenge is in the roles on either side of Ndidi, in a 4-3-3 or besides him in a 4-2-3-1. The world cup clearly underlined some of the qualities of Etebo in central midfield, as well as his deficiencies. In addition, there are continued questions about the #10 role, which was filled today by Kelechi in a thoroughly unconvincing fashion.
Rohr needs to develop more options in central midfield, and he needs to do this in a forward looking manner, not by reliance on rethreads like John Ogu. It would require that we take more risks, especially through high level friendlies, as well as expand our scouting network.
Defence:
In defence, we need to develop better options in fullback positions, to enable Rohr return to his favored back four, and extend our overall qualities in wide areas.
There is also the need to develop more options in central defence. This would enable the team transition away from continued use of Omeruo, whose career has steadily declined since the heights of the AFCON triumph. His technical qualities on the ball, positional awareness and tactical discipline are lacking, as shown by the map below (#22) from the Argentine first goal, a situation that was not much improved today, even against a hapless Seychelles.
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Nigeria's World Cup Final...
In my considered opinion, Nigeria's world cup will come down to Kaliningrad on June 16. For me, given the schedule of games, the loser goes home; period....
The biggest tactical question Nigeria will face in this game in particular and in the world cup in general, will be how to play within limited space and time.
Nigeria's world cup will be defined by possession. But not in absolute numbers, rather the efficiency of possession, when she has the ball, and the organization in the non-possession phase when/if the opponent has controlled possession.
This is why I see an almighty 'gunfight' in central midfield at the Arena Baltika, and everybody better come with their weapons, fully loaded, with intent to execute, with neither malice nor charity, and no prisoners taken!!!
There's a quiet confidence within the Croatian camp that it would be a big mistake for Nigeria to high press in midfield, and that with elite midfielders in Modric, Rakitic, Brozovic and Kovacic, they possess the experience and craft to easily play through the first line of Nigerian high press by slowing the tempo and 'boxing' the Super Eagles, before switching to undefended zones and then unbalance Nigeria in defence, with quick through balls behind the fullbacks, or in the space on either side of central defence.
All available evidence points to the ability of the Nigerian first press to reach its mark, given the athleticism of the key central midfielders. Whether this can be accomplished without resort to card inducing fouls, is an open question, as we say in that friendly Croatia vs Senegal. However the first press is not my main concern. My concern is the second ball and the limited options around that ball in the attacking phase.
And why is this a concern? One word- the counter press! The limitation in options will increase the likelihood of success of the counter press, and this Nigerian team is not as yet well organized in this phase, although much better organized than Croatia faced against Senegal. There remains a critical lack of communication across the lines dividing the defined roles, with certain units not pushing up, or back in tandem.
Take the annoying friendly against England, which allowed Southgate fulfill all his tactical wet dreams..Kane's movement, like the gyrations of an experienced lap-dancer, would repeatedly draw Ekong out, with no corresponding defensive movement from midfield, leaving the Nigerian central defense wide open...
My second concern is what happens when the opponent inevitably raises the tempo and attempts to play through the Nigerian midfield at pace, having used possession to tire out the Nigerian central midfielders.
Offensively, the Nigerian attacking game appears to be at its most productive when the opponent is isolated in space. In the counterattacking phase, this Nigerian team will primarily beat you with pace and the dribble in open play. There needs to be more. There needs to be greater work on ball possession.
The first friendly against Poland gave a few glimpses of some of Nigeria's characteristics; the second was a complete wash, a nothing burger...For full disclosure, I am not a fan of pre-World Cup friendlies. For the most part, they show nothing and prove little. It leaves both players and managers in a no-win situation, and even the limited set of objectives that managers plan for, are never worth the price of tournament ending injuries....
However as I stated earlier, this is a different kind of Nigerian team, and Super Eagles fans are well advised to discard expectations of a typical Nigerian flamboyance. This is a team that is being built on organization, resilience and efficiency on the counter. Whether they can achieve this is an open question.
In Rohr, the team has a thoroughly understated, conservative and average manager, but one who is well aware of the strengths and limitations of his team.
The key question is, given everything said, can this Nigeria team beat Croatia? The simple answer is that given the vulnerabilities in the Croatian defense, Nigeria will get opportunities and can beat the Croats. But there is little doubt in my mind that Croatia will start with some clear advantages over Nigeria in both playing personnel and team structures. Overall a lot for Nigeria will depend on how well Rohr calibrates his tactics and the maximum concentration of the players.
In my opinion, it would be a mistake for Nigeria to implement a full-court high-press against Croatia. Instead, it must be situational, and the team must find the right moments to press and the right balance between the high press and a low/medium block. And with the blistering pace upfront and vertical threats like Musa, either out wide or centrally, the team can retain an attacking threat even while sitting deep.
Whatever happens, this could be a new phase in Nigerian national team football, both in terms of the players and the team tactics.
The biggest tactical question Nigeria will face in this game in particular and in the world cup in general, will be how to play within limited space and time.
Nigeria's world cup will be defined by possession. But not in absolute numbers, rather the efficiency of possession, when she has the ball, and the organization in the non-possession phase when/if the opponent has controlled possession.
This is why I see an almighty 'gunfight' in central midfield at the Arena Baltika, and everybody better come with their weapons, fully loaded, with intent to execute, with neither malice nor charity, and no prisoners taken!!!
There's a quiet confidence within the Croatian camp that it would be a big mistake for Nigeria to high press in midfield, and that with elite midfielders in Modric, Rakitic, Brozovic and Kovacic, they possess the experience and craft to easily play through the first line of Nigerian high press by slowing the tempo and 'boxing' the Super Eagles, before switching to undefended zones and then unbalance Nigeria in defence, with quick through balls behind the fullbacks, or in the space on either side of central defence.
All available evidence points to the ability of the Nigerian first press to reach its mark, given the athleticism of the key central midfielders. Whether this can be accomplished without resort to card inducing fouls, is an open question, as we say in that friendly Croatia vs Senegal. However the first press is not my main concern. My concern is the second ball and the limited options around that ball in the attacking phase.
And why is this a concern? One word- the counter press! The limitation in options will increase the likelihood of success of the counter press, and this Nigerian team is not as yet well organized in this phase, although much better organized than Croatia faced against Senegal. There remains a critical lack of communication across the lines dividing the defined roles, with certain units not pushing up, or back in tandem.
Take the annoying friendly against England, which allowed Southgate fulfill all his tactical wet dreams..Kane's movement, like the gyrations of an experienced lap-dancer, would repeatedly draw Ekong out, with no corresponding defensive movement from midfield, leaving the Nigerian central defense wide open...
My second concern is what happens when the opponent inevitably raises the tempo and attempts to play through the Nigerian midfield at pace, having used possession to tire out the Nigerian central midfielders.
Offensively, the Nigerian attacking game appears to be at its most productive when the opponent is isolated in space. In the counterattacking phase, this Nigerian team will primarily beat you with pace and the dribble in open play. There needs to be more. There needs to be greater work on ball possession.
The first friendly against Poland gave a few glimpses of some of Nigeria's characteristics; the second was a complete wash, a nothing burger...For full disclosure, I am not a fan of pre-World Cup friendlies. For the most part, they show nothing and prove little. It leaves both players and managers in a no-win situation, and even the limited set of objectives that managers plan for, are never worth the price of tournament ending injuries....
However as I stated earlier, this is a different kind of Nigerian team, and Super Eagles fans are well advised to discard expectations of a typical Nigerian flamboyance. This is a team that is being built on organization, resilience and efficiency on the counter. Whether they can achieve this is an open question.
In Rohr, the team has a thoroughly understated, conservative and average manager, but one who is well aware of the strengths and limitations of his team.
The key question is, given everything said, can this Nigeria team beat Croatia? The simple answer is that given the vulnerabilities in the Croatian defense, Nigeria will get opportunities and can beat the Croats. But there is little doubt in my mind that Croatia will start with some clear advantages over Nigeria in both playing personnel and team structures. Overall a lot for Nigeria will depend on how well Rohr calibrates his tactics and the maximum concentration of the players.
In my opinion, it would be a mistake for Nigeria to implement a full-court high-press against Croatia. Instead, it must be situational, and the team must find the right moments to press and the right balance between the high press and a low/medium block. And with the blistering pace upfront and vertical threats like Musa, either out wide or centrally, the team can retain an attacking threat even while sitting deep.
Whatever happens, this could be a new phase in Nigerian national team football, both in terms of the players and the team tactics.
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Nigeria's JMO-Sized Tactical Conundrum
On August 4 2016 at the Amazonia Arena in the sultry heat of Manaus, Brazil, Nigeria first unveiled a new tactical formation under Samson Siasia, in a wild game of Olympics football, which ended 5-4 in her favor, against Japan.
Contrary to what had become an established role at the heart of central midfield, Siasia would field John Mikel Obi (JMO) higher upfield, behind Sadiq Umar, the central striker, but in front of the two central midfielders, Azubuike and Muhammed.
Not much has been said by subsequent Nigerian managers, including Gernot Rohr on this new role definition, except a statement credited to Siasia that this was Mikel's preferred role.
In this role, going by Rohr's definition so far, Mikel becomes the outlet for hold-up play, higher up the pitch, building on one of his greatest strengths, the ability to retain the ball technically, without 'leftovers', and allow Nigeria transition to the final third with tranquility.
Since assuming the role of manager, Gernot Rohr has steadily installed a counterattacking regime in the Super Eagles, using the pace in wide areas for the breakaway from deep. In this new role therefore, Mikel offers an outlet for the deep ball (or knock down from the central striker), especially in the face of a high press.
When executed well, it has seen Nigeria develop play with much greater efficiency and arrive in the final third with stability and assurance. It has also increased Mikel's goals and assist rate for the national team.
The problem for Nigeria is that for much of his career outside youth football, Mikel has always received the ball to feet in the first stage of the build up play. Under Mourinho and subsequent Chelsea managers, the spacing of players enabled Mikel and his team move the ball quickly with a regime of short horizontal passes, to both evade the press as well as transition to the next attacking phase.
Higher upfield when Nigeria use the outlet ball to Mikel, his skills and experience from Chelsea affect the speed of the counter. Even with his superb close control, the game at this stage would often require him to turn upfield, which he executes under regulation speed limits in a well heeled residential neighborhood...
What is more, Nigeria play a running game, with a long history of players adept at running at a defence, with speed and great individual technique. The tempo of the Nigerian game drops on the occasion that this is required of Mikel.
These combine to make Mikel highly susceptible to the press in this role and would require that the team develop options around the ball to exploit the space that would emerge when the opponent executes this. Rohr could also drop Mikel deeper in central midfield as he has sometimes done...
Whichever way this goes, this will be an interesting issue to watch in the mundiale, especially given the conservative nature of the Nigerian manager...
Contrary to what had become an established role at the heart of central midfield, Siasia would field John Mikel Obi (JMO) higher upfield, behind Sadiq Umar, the central striker, but in front of the two central midfielders, Azubuike and Muhammed.
Not much has been said by subsequent Nigerian managers, including Gernot Rohr on this new role definition, except a statement credited to Siasia that this was Mikel's preferred role.
In this role, going by Rohr's definition so far, Mikel becomes the outlet for hold-up play, higher up the pitch, building on one of his greatest strengths, the ability to retain the ball technically, without 'leftovers', and allow Nigeria transition to the final third with tranquility.
Since assuming the role of manager, Gernot Rohr has steadily installed a counterattacking regime in the Super Eagles, using the pace in wide areas for the breakaway from deep. In this new role therefore, Mikel offers an outlet for the deep ball (or knock down from the central striker), especially in the face of a high press.
When executed well, it has seen Nigeria develop play with much greater efficiency and arrive in the final third with stability and assurance. It has also increased Mikel's goals and assist rate for the national team.
The problem for Nigeria is that for much of his career outside youth football, Mikel has always received the ball to feet in the first stage of the build up play. Under Mourinho and subsequent Chelsea managers, the spacing of players enabled Mikel and his team move the ball quickly with a regime of short horizontal passes, to both evade the press as well as transition to the next attacking phase.
Higher upfield when Nigeria use the outlet ball to Mikel, his skills and experience from Chelsea affect the speed of the counter. Even with his superb close control, the game at this stage would often require him to turn upfield, which he executes under regulation speed limits in a well heeled residential neighborhood...
What is more, Nigeria play a running game, with a long history of players adept at running at a defence, with speed and great individual technique. The tempo of the Nigerian game drops on the occasion that this is required of Mikel.
These combine to make Mikel highly susceptible to the press in this role and would require that the team develop options around the ball to exploit the space that would emerge when the opponent executes this. Rohr could also drop Mikel deeper in central midfield as he has sometimes done...
Whichever way this goes, this will be an interesting issue to watch in the mundiale, especially given the conservative nature of the Nigerian manager...
Saturday, March 24, 2018
First Thoughts on Nigeria at the World Cup...
A young Nigerian team became the first country to qualify for the World Cup from the African confederation, built on strong internal cohesion, a vibrant team spirit, and great athleticism.
Compared to previous versions, this is a very different Super Eagles team. The universal attention to nutrition and conditioning will mean that this is a world cup in which the gaps between teams will come from mentality and superior technique. Nigeria's athleticism will be a very important factor if well harnessed.
Going into the world cup, my main concerns for this team lie in the stagnation of key players. Mikel Obi is in China, Ogenyi Onazi is in Turkey, Kelechi Iheanacho is struggling to rekindle his young career at Leicester, and Alex Iwobi is caught up in the stasis at Arsenal.
Tactically, not many of the players have grown in the last season, but at the same time, it would be a mistake to reach hard conclusions about Nigerian players in the national team, solely on the basis of club performance, as a different dynamic obtains at this level, as we saw years ago with Samson Siasia, then at Nantes.
Given this background, it is understandable the approach adopted by Gernot Rohr, and no game captures this as best as the decisive game against Zambia in Uyo. This version of the Nigeria Super Eagles is being built to learn to 'suffer', be comfortable in it, and then take its opportunities. There is thus certainty in the way the team wants to play, where a team like Argentina, is still looking...
Tactically, there are two major areas of concern:
First is the ability to keep possession higher upfield, without an over reliance on the individual qualities of Mikel Obi in an advanced role. Individually, the players have the technical quality, but as a team, this is lacking, and I think, more as a consequence of coaching decisions. In Russia, I expect teams will look first to take away the option that Mikel presents for keeping possession high upfield.
In the mundiale, it is hard to see Nigeria effectively control a game from a defensive position, while simply booting the ball upfield as they did against Poland.
The second concern is the organization of the team behind the line of press. This is the first manager to harness the natural athleticism of Nigerian players in a high pressing game, without the need to commit multiple players or to significantly advance the defensive line. Of course this is not the first time Nigeria has used a pressing system (the late Keshi's team did in some games), but none of Nigeria's previous managers had players with the qualities of this team, especially Ndidi in central midfield.
The problem here is that without increasing the share of possession in the game, the team is often playing in one tempo, and as was the case in the second half in Worclaw, gaps will begin to appear in midfield as players start to tire, and the opponent plays faster through midfield as the Poles did in the second half last night.
In Russia, tactically, I expect Nigeria's approach to face its stiffest examination against Croatia, largely because of the different characteristics of the Croats, and their ability to suddenly transition to attack even from deep. But watching the performance last night, Nigeria can overcome in what will similarly be a 'trench warfare' in central midfield vs Croatia, but it must find greater options in attack for the out ball, and better organization on the break.
The return of Joel Obi is especially wellcome. He brings additional technical quality to central midfield that is lacking with Onazi, even while recognizing the latter's combative qualities. It remains to be seen whether he can be fully integrated into the team, and especially whether he can stay fit.
Sadly for the team, the wide player Henry Onyekuru has had a difficult season with injuries and has been unavailable for integration into the side. His qualities on the left would have complimented Moses on the right, especially with the indifferent season of Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi. This in turn means increased pressure on the left side of the defence.
Overall, the various elements of how the team play, or the composition of the squad are well in place, and only a few questions remain. This will be an interesting mundiale....
How far can this team go?
Hard to say at this point, but it has a good chance to get out of the group. The team lacks exceptional individuals, like Argentina or top professionals, like Croatia, but it has its own qualities from a youthful and vibrant side. It also has a manager who is well aware of the team's capabilities, and who will play within this, regardless....
Compared to previous versions, this is a very different Super Eagles team. The universal attention to nutrition and conditioning will mean that this is a world cup in which the gaps between teams will come from mentality and superior technique. Nigeria's athleticism will be a very important factor if well harnessed.
Going into the world cup, my main concerns for this team lie in the stagnation of key players. Mikel Obi is in China, Ogenyi Onazi is in Turkey, Kelechi Iheanacho is struggling to rekindle his young career at Leicester, and Alex Iwobi is caught up in the stasis at Arsenal.
Tactically, not many of the players have grown in the last season, but at the same time, it would be a mistake to reach hard conclusions about Nigerian players in the national team, solely on the basis of club performance, as a different dynamic obtains at this level, as we saw years ago with Samson Siasia, then at Nantes.
Given this background, it is understandable the approach adopted by Gernot Rohr, and no game captures this as best as the decisive game against Zambia in Uyo. This version of the Nigeria Super Eagles is being built to learn to 'suffer', be comfortable in it, and then take its opportunities. There is thus certainty in the way the team wants to play, where a team like Argentina, is still looking...
Tactically, there are two major areas of concern:
First is the ability to keep possession higher upfield, without an over reliance on the individual qualities of Mikel Obi in an advanced role. Individually, the players have the technical quality, but as a team, this is lacking, and I think, more as a consequence of coaching decisions. In Russia, I expect teams will look first to take away the option that Mikel presents for keeping possession high upfield.
In the mundiale, it is hard to see Nigeria effectively control a game from a defensive position, while simply booting the ball upfield as they did against Poland.
The second concern is the organization of the team behind the line of press. This is the first manager to harness the natural athleticism of Nigerian players in a high pressing game, without the need to commit multiple players or to significantly advance the defensive line. Of course this is not the first time Nigeria has used a pressing system (the late Keshi's team did in some games), but none of Nigeria's previous managers had players with the qualities of this team, especially Ndidi in central midfield.
The problem here is that without increasing the share of possession in the game, the team is often playing in one tempo, and as was the case in the second half in Worclaw, gaps will begin to appear in midfield as players start to tire, and the opponent plays faster through midfield as the Poles did in the second half last night.
In Russia, tactically, I expect Nigeria's approach to face its stiffest examination against Croatia, largely because of the different characteristics of the Croats, and their ability to suddenly transition to attack even from deep. But watching the performance last night, Nigeria can overcome in what will similarly be a 'trench warfare' in central midfield vs Croatia, but it must find greater options in attack for the out ball, and better organization on the break.
The return of Joel Obi is especially wellcome. He brings additional technical quality to central midfield that is lacking with Onazi, even while recognizing the latter's combative qualities. It remains to be seen whether he can be fully integrated into the team, and especially whether he can stay fit.
Sadly for the team, the wide player Henry Onyekuru has had a difficult season with injuries and has been unavailable for integration into the side. His qualities on the left would have complimented Moses on the right, especially with the indifferent season of Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi. This in turn means increased pressure on the left side of the defence.
Overall, the various elements of how the team play, or the composition of the squad are well in place, and only a few questions remain. This will be an interesting mundiale....
How far can this team go?
Hard to say at this point, but it has a good chance to get out of the group. The team lacks exceptional individuals, like Argentina or top professionals, like Croatia, but it has its own qualities from a youthful and vibrant side. It also has a manager who is well aware of the team's capabilities, and who will play within this, regardless....
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