The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a 2-1 win over Tanzania in their opening game of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman secured the win for Nigeria, who dominated most part of the game but still didn’t kill the game as a contest.
Tanzania were in the game until the final whistle. A source of worry for fans of the Nigerian team who expected a more comfortable win.
We take a look at five things that made the win uncomfortable for the Super Eagles.
1. Poor Finishing – The scoreline suggest it was a tight game but in reality it was far from it. Nigeria should have been home and dry if the chances that came the way of Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi were taken.
2. First Game Syndrome – Usually the first game of any tournament is the hardest. Even head coach of the Nigerian team Eric Chelle said it’s normal for the team to improve as the tournament progresses.
3. Diamond Formation Against Low Block – Tanzania sat deep in their half with an idea to attack on the break. Nigeria’s formation from the start didn’t give them width to stretch the play and no wonder they got going when a traditional wingers in Moses Simon was introduced in the second half.
4. Playing Players Out Of Position – It feels like a waste of substitute when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was introduced to play as a right winger. The Lazio midfielder didn’t look comfortable leading to so many poor decision, that could have carved open a chance.
5. Victor Osimhen – Not a day to remember for the big man. He was tensed, hurried his efforts and made poor decisions with his passes. Also failed to time his run properly leading to offside calls when the team pressed for a goal.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
