Super Eagles team facts versus Sierra Leone…
The Super Eagles of Nigeria faced Sierra Leone in the group L of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, both clashes resulting in the equal division of points by each team. The two encounters left supporters of the Nigerian team heavily disappointed as the Super Eagles appeared to be favourites for the win.
The first leg which was played in Benin, Nigeria saw the Eagles leading by 4 goals to 1 at half time, thanks to goals by Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and a brace by Victor Osimhen. But shockingly, the game ended in a tie at full time, leaving the fans displeased.
The second leg encounter happened to have no luck either for either side as none of the team found a reason to celebrate.
Super Eagles team which ought to be formidable with the inclusion of Europe based players is deemed to still be at average. The head coach Gernot Rohr is therefore failing to roar.
Here are some observations drawn from the players performances against Sierra Leone.
MADUKA OKOYE
The Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper looks like the perfect choice of solving the dream team’s goalkeeping problems. But obviously the 21 year old German born goalie isn’t ready to inherit the gloves of Vincent Enyeama yet. His lack of proper reflexes could cost the team dearly on important matches. The goalkeeping errors from the first leg contributed greatly to the failure of the team to secure a win.
KEVIN AKPOGUMA
The German based defender’s robust appearance looks like a threat to strikers. With him on the defence, the dream team looks formidable enough, but Akpoguma failed to deliver against Sierra Leone. Obviously, Chinedu Awaziem is a better option, so it’ll be wise for Gernot Rohr to keep him on the sidelines.
ALEX IWOBI
The former Arsenal striker proves to be the joy of Nigerians in the English Premier League. Iwobi netted 15 goals in 149 appearances for Arsenal before moving to Everton. But the striker has failed to prove his mettle in the green and white colors. Alex Iwobi’s contribution to the Super Eagles is below average.
JOE ARIBO
Joseph Aribo is a great midfielder when he is wearing the Rangers jersey. The Scottish based footballer is rated among the best midfielders in the Scottish league. But whenever he’s playing on African soil, Aribo struggles to properly gain control of the ball. Hopefully he might be useful in world cups.
KELECHI IHEANACHO
Whoever advises Gernot Rohr to field Kelechi Iheanacho in important matches is definitely a very bad technical adviser. The Leicester fc forward has in no way made an impact in the Super Eagles since he officially started wearing the green and white colors. His wastefulness costs the team some great goals and the earlier he’s dropped, the better.
AHMED MUSA
Ahmed Musa has been the pride of the Super Eagles since his outstanding plays in both AFCON and the world cup. He’s the first Nigerian player to score more than once in the world cup, after scoring twice against Argentina in 2015, he repeated the same feat in 2019 against Iceland. Unfortunately, the captain is beginning to slow down, and should be assigned to another role; occupying the bench.
SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE
The Villarreal forward is definitely a star to watch. Samuel Chukwueze is the current hope of the Nigerian football team, his dribbling skills and finishing touches makes him the most exciting player to watch. Soon enough, he might be walking home with the CAF best player award.
To be continued…
For more on Gist, news updates and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest World News and Sports, Entertainment News on Roundnews24.com.
