Over the last two weeks in Abeokuta, the WAFU cup enabled Siasia an important opportunity to evaluate homebased players for the senior team. In the process, the outstanding performance of Heartland center-back Gege Soriola, the continued growth in confidence of Chibuzor Okonkwo at right-back and Ekigho Ehiosun in attack, ensured that the objective of the tournament was met, inspite of the loss to Togo in the finals.
The squad for the international friendly against Argentina and the qualifying match with Ethiopia, reveal some major surprises.
In defence Yusuf Ayila recieves his first call-up under Siasia, on the back of some impressive performances at Dynamo Kiev in central defence. Ditto for Yusuf Mohammed at right back, following a long injury layoff. His invitation is somewhat suprising given his lukewarm form at Al-Hilal. But he gets his chance to be evaluated. It is my hope that as the process unfolds, we might take a look at Ifeanyi Emeghara who, despite several injuries, has had a very good season at Steau Bucharest. Clearly, the search for a top right back continues....
In midfield, the major surprise is the invitation of an old Siasia faithful, Isaac Promise, who began the season in outstanding form for Manisaspor in the Turkish liga, but struggled for form in the second half of the season following a return from an ankle twist in a league game on February 21st. Playing in both right central or wide midfield and attack, he showed great dynamism, pace and power in attack, especially cutting inside from wide right, or on being played through on the shoulder of the centerback, either in open play or on the counter.
Nosa Igiebor is promoted from the U-23 team after an outstanding game against Equatorial Guinea, and some superb performances for Lillestrom SK in the Norwegian Tippeligaen, playing from central and left midfield. A quick-witted player with good passing range and the movement to get into the box, he expands the creative options for Siasia in midfield, and perhaps justifies a change in formation to a midfield trio in a 4-3-3. However, the defensive side of his game is still weak.
In attack, Emenike returns from injury while Osaze is dropped for disciplinary reasons. In my opinion, the decision to drop Osaze was expected and does not rank as a surprise. The most important aspect of team building is team spirit. Undermining the authority of a coach has negative implications for team cohesion, especially given the fact that Siasia is a young coach looking to establish himself in the profession. His ability to succeed in this project will not be determined by any one player, but all the players, as well as the extent to which all stakeholders go in enhancing his authority as coach.
As aforementioned, the Argentina match represents an opportunity for the first real examination of Siasia's attempt at rebuilding the national team. Even without the likes of Messi, Tevez and Mascherano, the Argentine team possess enough indepth quality to give Siasia and the Super Eagles a stern examination.
Conversely it is important to keep in mind the real objectives of this match and ensure that it is used in a manner to get its full value for rebuilding the national team, and not simply to win a match or avoid defeat. I therefore urge Siasia and his team to be bold, experiment and take risks, while keeping a firm eye on the big picture.
Especially, I will like to see the coaching crew explore the option of a 4-3-3 formation to evaluate the effectiveness of a midfield trio in a high level competitive game, especially their ability to limit the time and space available to the opponent in the non-possession phase.
As in the previous match, the main evaluation points for this game would be the following:
1. the setup of the defensive line and the effective execution of a pressing system
2. performance of the central defensive partnership as well as right back
3. movement of players in the non-possession phase of the game
4. quality, tempo and speed of the passing game, especially in central midfield
5. organization as well as speed of the transition game
6. the roles of the wide players, be they wide midfielders or wide forwards; and
7. ability to controlled possession game in central midfield, especially with the likely absence of Mikel.
Key individual performances for special evaluation would include Yusuf Ayinla in central defence, Yusuf Mohammed at right back, Nosa Igiebor, Fegor Ogunde as well as Isaac Promise in midfield.
The squad:
Goalkeepers - Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba, Austin Ejide
Defenders - Chibuzor Okonkwo, Yusuf Mohammed, Taye Taiwo, Joseph Yobo, Dele Adeleye, Efe Ambrose, Yusuf Ayila
Midfielders - John Mikel Obi, Joel Obi, Fengor Ogude, Kalu Uche, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Nosa Igiebor, Isaac Promise
Forwards - Victor Anichebe, Peter Utaka, Obinna Nsofor, Ike Uche, Ekigho Ehiosun, Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa
Standby - Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses
