Super Eagles are through to the Playoff Round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after they were forced to a 1-1 draw by second-placed Blue Sharks of Cape Verde at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Victor Osimhen pounced on a defensive mistake in the first minute to give the Eagles the lead, but Cape Verde defender Stopira volleyed home the equaliser five minutes later.
Completesports.com‘s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN in this piece x-rays seven major observations from the game.
Okoye Not Convincing In Goal
Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, could have done better in stopping the Cape Verde’s goal but for poor positioning, the ball went straight under his two legs. Aerially, Okoye still has lots of work to do if he must remain as Super Eagles number one goalkeeper.
Ighalo, Osimhen Combo Yielded Good Result
There is no doubt that the pairing of Odion Ighalo and Victor Osimhen in the attack gave the Cape Verdian defenders a nightmare. Ighalo, who made a return to the Super Eagles after two years in international retirement could have scored a goal but for the timely save made by Cape Verde goalkeeper. His swapping of positions with Osimhen, whose pace caused more havoc in the attack, was rewarded with a goal.
Aribo Should Add Creativity To His Game
Rangers midfielder, Joe Aribo, is blessed with flair for locating a teammates with well tailored passes. However, he has failed to exhibit such skills in the Super Eagles, most especially in the game against Cape Verde.
Eagles’ Lacked Concentration In The Defence
The few goals the Super Eagles have conceded in the qualifiers have been due to lack of concentration. This was also obvious in the goal they conceded against Cape Verde at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. The players switched off few minutes after Osimhen netted the opening goal.
Simon Deserves Eagles’ Bench Role
Nantes winger, Moses Simon, was more like a ‘passenger’ in the game against Cape Verde as he provided no attacking threat from his right position. A player like Chidera Ejuke should be saddled with the responsibility in subsequent games.
Collins Getting Better In Every Game
Paderbon defender, Jamilu Collins, continued from where he stopped against Liberia as he made some brilliant overlap forays and crosses from the left wing position. He’s gradually making the position his, going by his impressive display against Cape Verde.
Rohr Still Struggling To Pick Effective First Eleven
Super Eagles German tactician, Gernot Rohr, seems to be struggling to get his first eleven right.
Knowing the importance of the game, the Super Eagles were far from convincing as they failed to take the game far away from Cape Verde early enough.
Playing in front of the passionate crowd in Lagos, the Super Eagles struggled to stamp their authority on the game, especially in the second half. Rohr also made late substitutions in the game and when they came, it had little or no effect on the game.
Fans of Super Eagles had to endure a nervy match, especially at the concluding stages as Cape Verde pressed for the winning goal to upset the hosts and book a spot in the final round of the Qatar 2022 qualifiers.
Photo: By Ganiyu Yusuf
The post 7 Key Observations From Super Eagles Draw Vs Cape Verde In Lagos appeared first on Complete Sports.
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