The senior national team of Nigeria yesterday had what can be said to be their first real training session with all invited players taking part in the close to two hours drills ahead of Friday’s first leg World Cup playoff against Ghana.
Although it was held behind close doors, OwnGoalNigeria.com was however granted access to watch the Super Eagles train with coach Austine Eguavoen and his assistants taking charge of the session.
Below are the the five things we noticed:
Lively, Settled And Deadly Ademola Lookman- He only arrived the camp of the team in the morning but the Leicester City winger looked very sharp in training and converted a spot kick with ease after Victor Osimhen was brought down by Leon Balogun.
He also doesn’t act like a player who is new in the team as he interacts freely with other players, crack jokes and also took pictures with the few spectators who watched the team. He will no doubt play some part on Friday.
Amoo As Ten – Akinkumi Amoo who is traditionally a winger although can also play in the role behind the striker ended the session playing the latter. He was behind top striker in Osimhen in a two aside game. All through the session he didn’t get to play from the wings.
Bassey Favourite To Start Over Zaidu – FC Porto Zaidu Sanusi is facing his stiffest battle yet in his bid to be the first choice left back for tomorrow’s game. For the major drills and also test match. It was the quartet of Leon Balogun, William Troost Ekong, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey who were used as the back four.
Zaidu though was very lively and no doubt making it tough for the coaches to pick Bassey without a second thought.
Ighalo Struggling With Pace In Attack – The pace with which the team attacked with in training left Odion Ighalo lost. The wingers and forwards were all at various intervals at different wavelength with the Al Hilal forward. He was however very commanding in finishing off balls in the box. He surely can score.
Amuneke Is The Busiest Coach In Training- The newly appointed chief coach isn’t there to make up the numbers. He has been very much involved and handled yesterday’s morning session all by himself. He has the trust of the interim technical adviser to conduct certain drills during training.
