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.
