Analysis: Lessons learned from Nigeria's 4-0 win against Cameroon

The Super Eagles pose for a group photograph before the match. (Picture: Twitter/The NFF)

By Odiko Godwin

The Super Eagles breezed pass their Cameroonian counterparts 4-0 in a Russia 2018 qualifier match held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. With Nigeria playing in a manner many described as the best they have seen in many years.

So what could be taking from the Super Eagles' home win over Cameroon?




(1) Mikel doesn't only bring experience, he brings creativity

Watching the Super Eagles play against South Africa in an AFCON qualifier match in June, they looked too tepid(especially in creating chances) - and the resultant effect was a 2-0 humiliating defeat.

The former Chelsea man missed that match due to injury, with Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo starting in midfield for the Super Eagles. The midfield without Mikel didn't only lacked coordination and spark, the experience the 30-year-old brings to bear was duly missed.

But against Cameroon, we saw how the Tianjin TEDA man influenced the game with his incredible passing skill, organizing the midfield in a "boss-like" manner, showing calmness - even when the Cameroonians were threatening. And the way in which he set up Ighalo for the first goal, just highlights his quality and importance in the team. Not sure if the Super Eagles still wouldn't have lost to South Africa in their previous competitive fixture before this, but am sure Mikel's presence would have made the team and the midfield(especially) look better coordinated than it was on the day.





(2) Nigeria in safe hands with Ezenwa in goal

After Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July, the team needed someone to steer the ship in the absence of the Wolves goalkeeper. And with veteran goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama still out due to retirement, the mantle fell on Daniel Akpeyi who didn't show enough to convince Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr; after failing to impress in an AFCON qualifier match against South Africa.

Ikechukwu Ezenwa who really impressed with the CHAN Super Eagles - during their CHAN qualifier match against Benin Republic in Kano last month, got the nod to man the post against Cameroon, after Daniel Akpeyi was ruled out via injury.

The FC Ifeanyi Ubah shot stopper grabbed the opportunity with both hands, as he performed brilliantly, making excellent saves. His confidence between the sticks from start to finish really caught the eyes, ensuring his team ended the game on a clean slate.

Gernot Rohr have little or no fear in his goalkeeping department - with Ezenwa now in charge heading into the reverse fixture in Cameroon on Monday. And the former Nigeria U20 goalkeeper must not rest on his oars, because, to whom much is given, much will be required.



(3) Another stellar performance from "the oyinbo wall"

In Nigeria, persons with light-skinned complexion are called "oyinbo", hence the tag,"Oyinbo Wall".

Leon Balogun of FSV Mainz 05 and William Troost-Ekong of Bursaspor were again made to partner each other at the heart of the Super Eagles defense, and the duo were impressive - forging an indomitable wall against the Indomitable Lions.

Backed by the confidence of the goalkeeper, "the oyinbo wall" excelled, showing superlative understanding. And If they continue in this form(bar injuries), the Super Eagles can go into the World Cup in Russia 2018 rest assured of a solid defensive showing from those two.




(4) Cameroon are domitable 

Heading into the game, much were said about the reigning African champions. With many expressing fears that the Super Eagles would be blown away by the Indomitable Lions, given the manner in which Nigeria flopped in their last competitive outing.

But the Eagles proved doubters wrong by annihilating their Cameroonian counterparts beyond recognition. The 4-0 defeat over Cameroon, was only the second time since 2011(against Ethiopia) - that the Super Eagles will defeat an opponent by such margin. The win really proved that The Indomitable Lions are indeed domitable after all.

(5) Rohr was spot on and looks the right man for the job

The German's managerial reputation came under scrutiny - after the Super Eagles lost in an embarrassing manner on home ground to the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in June.

But he was quick to correct that, and reminded anyone that cares to listen - that he is still the right man for the job.

Many would have panicked, given the quality of the side the Eagles were facing, but that wasn't the former Bordeaux and Burkina Faso gaffer. As he went with a more experience side to the one that got beat in June. Ensuring the right persons were used for the right positions. And what looked like a gamble; turned out to be a tactical masterstroke. Fielding two solid defensive minded midfielders behind Mikel Obi - who was allowed to concentrate only on the offensive. And flanked striker Odion Ighalo with two outright wingers; in Simon Moses and Victor Moses, with the two combining to score Nigeria's third, after a counter attacking move from the Eagles - was expertly finished by the Chelsea wing-man. Overall, Gernot Rohr's tactics were spot on. Making also the needed changes, and at the appropriate time.