The World Cup is just seven days away; but, having watched the Super Eagles play in all the friendly matches leading to the World Cup, many will even deem the Super Eagles lucky to finish fourth in their group.
In sincerity, the Super Eagles haven't given their fans any quality reason to be hopeful going into the World Cup (if you look at what they have showed in those friendlies). But, that's what friendlies are for: to give the coach a clearer picture about his/her team - going into a major competition.
And I think Gernot Rohr now understands fully - those areas in his team that requires fixing, and how to go about it.
So, how far can this Super Eagles go?
If you want to rate the team by their performances in the warm up games, then, we should not expect anything special from the team. But, if the coach can derive the positives out of the friendly games, and work on the negatives, then, I expect this team to (at least) match their 2014 World Cup performance - by getting into the second round. Because they have the quality to do so.
I watched all the Super Eagles warm up games (in preparation for the World Cup), and I have been able to identify the weaknesses in the team and ways to correct those weaknesses.
What are the weaknesses in this Super Eagles team and how can Gernot Rohr correct them?
One major problem with this Super Eagles team right now is the confusion in the mind of the coach in determining the best formation that suites this Super Eagles team and a bit of uncertainties in determining the right players for some specific roles/positions in those formations.
From what I have seen so far of the Super Eagles, I think the conventional 4-2-3-1 which the coach deployed during the qualifiers; remains the best formation for the team. We can always switch to the 3-5-2 system (which the team has practiced during the warm up games) when the need arises at the World cup.
And it's a very good thing; the team practiced the 3-5-2 system before the World Cup. It gave the coaching department a clue on those who should play in various positions in the new system.
So, who should start against Croatia and what system/formation should we use?
The Croatians or Croats line-up in a 4-2-3-1 as displayed above when they played against Brazil in a friendly game. And I will love the Super Eagles to match them with the same formation.
And I am going to explain why I picked those players for those positions seen above for the Super Eagles.
Goalkeeper - Francis Uzoho:
Of course he still learning the ropes - playing for the B side of Deportivo La Coruna, and it's a major cause for concern. But he still looks our best option going into the World Cup and the games he has featured in - so far, has shown he is Gernot Rohr's preferred option between the sticks.
Right Back - Shehu Abdullahi:
I was really disappointed with the performance of the Bursaspor of Turkey player against Czech. Offered little or no assistance going forward, and was abysmal at the back. But, we have seen better performances from him during the qualifiers to discredit him for some off days during the warm up games.
Every time the coach brings Tyronne Ebuehi in as a replacement for the former Kano Pillars defender in the Super Eagles, Ebuehi has alaways gone on to impress.
I wouldn't start Shehu over Ebuehi in a 3-5-2 formation, though. Because Ebuehi looks more comfortable in the system than Shehu. But, let's give Shehu another opportunity to impress in that right-back position against Croatia. If he doesn't turn up on the day, then he can as well bid farewell to his place in the first team, with Tyronne Ebuehi waiting in the wings.
Central Defenders - Leon Balogun and Troost-Ekong:
Still remain our best pairing at the heart of the defense. But I think their form has also dipped as the entire team's performance waned recently. They would need to be at the top of their game again against the likes of Andrej Kramaric and Mario Mandzukic of Croatia.
Left Back - Elderson Echiejile:
Had the Super Eagles not played that friendly against Czech, I would have picked Bryan Idowu the other option at left-back over Elderson Echiejile. But the game against Czech showed us that the weakest link in the Super Eagles is the left-back position. And this will be a major cause of worry and concern for coach Gernot Rohr heading into the game against Croatia.
Bryan on many occasions; could barely get his cross into the box for any of his teammates to benefit from. More than two separate occasions I saw Odion Ighalo expressing his frustration - after getting himself into decent positions in the box to collect a pass or a cross from the Russia based defender, but none got to him. It was an awful performance from the Amkar Perm man on the day, leaving Gernot Rohr with no option than to play Echiejile against Croatia on the 16th of June.
Echiejile might lack the pace and stamina to operate as a proper left-back, if you look at his age. But he is left-footed and should be able to offer more going forward for the Super Eagles. Though, we might have to rely on just experience when it comes to defending for the 30-year-old left-back. But, he looks our best option at the left-back position, though, painful to admit.
Holding Midfielders - Wilfred Ndidi and Mikel Obi:
I think Wilfred Ndidi has shown everyone what he can offer in that position with Leicester City and during the Qualifiers with the Super Eagles. But, instead of pairing Ogenyi Onazi with the Leicester man in that holding-midfield position (as previously done), I think it would be ideal and better off to replace an Ogenyi Onazi who has been a complete shadow of his former self with a Mikel Obi who is a champion in that position as seen with Chelsea.
Though, Mikel Obi hasn't done badly - playing in that attacking midfield role for the Super Eagles, but I think it's best he plays in that holding position for us at the World Cup, dictating play from the role as well as shielding the back four properly as he known for at Chelsea.
Attacking Midfield - Alex Iwobi:
I watched an interview of Alex Iwobi in camp recently, and he was telling the interviewer how much he loves to play behind the striker (even though he can also play anywhere the coach wants him to play). But, I think it's best to play a player in his/her favorite position. It's the best way to get the best out of them. And I think Iwobi showed against England in the second half how good he is when he plays in that central midfield role. With Mikel and Ndidi offering protection in the deeper role, Iwobi can be focused on doing all the creativity and I am sure he will come out with flying colors.
Left wing (attack) - Ahmed Musa:
I would have picked Moses Simon straight up; had the KAA Gent man scaled through injuries to make the final 23-man team. But, in his absence, I will play Ahmed Musa there.
Musa has got the pace, and his finishing isn't the poorest if you consider his recent performances with CSKA Moscow. He is right-footed and can cut into his right foot to deliver shots and crosses from that left side. He scored two fantastic goals against Argentina at the last World Cup from that left wing, and I think he should be the man to play or start from the left wing against Croatia.
Another option is playing Alex Iwobi from the left wing to accommodate Iheanacho in attacking midfield or Mikel in attacking midfield. But Mikel as an attacking midfielder means I would like to see Iwobi play from the left wing, while John Ogu partners Wilfred Ndidi in holding midfield position.
Right Wing (attack) - Victor Moses:
Can't find a better position that suits Victor Moses than the right-wing position. In fact, he has excelled with Chelsea in Antonio Conte's two seasons playing as a right-wing-back. And I have seen him deliver sumptuous crosses to the likes of Alvaro Morata and Oliver Giroud of Chelsea from that RWB position.
The mere fact that he has excelled playing as a RWB counts for something when you talk about the need for a winger to be able to help out in defending.
If Gernot Rohr decides to play Ebuehi at right-back, the young man will benefit from Victor Moses' defensive prowess when he overlaps. And if it's Shehu, he too will profit from Victor Moses' defensive capabilities.
Striker - Simy Nwankwo:
Watford fans can attest to the fact that when Ighalo is on the top of his game, he can demolish any defensive setup. But when he is experiencing a goal drought, Ighalo can be very pestiferous.
You would have to go back to September 2017 against Cameroon for the last time Odion Ighalo found the back of the net. Meanwhile, Simy Nwankwo has showed against DR Congo what he can offer the team in attack, and those that have watched him play for Crotone can attest to the fact that he is a good finisher in the box. A predator actually.
His height will be useful in the box when the wing men blow in those crosses.
Utilizing set pieces has been another worrying issue with this Super Eagles, and I think Simy's height can be a factor that can correct that.
I read an interview of the Crotone striker recently and he said he 'really' can't wait to score his first goal for the Super Eagles. That's the kind of hunger and bite we want to see from our attackers at the World Cup.
That resolved, I have looked at the team when they played the alternative 3-5-2 formation in those friendlies, and I came up with the players I feel are best suited for each position; if the gaffer decides to start with three at the back.
Defense - Leon Balogun, Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo:
Gernot Rohr has utilized left-footed John Ogu on the left side of his three man defense, and as tactical as that looks, John Ogu hasn't really showed enough in that position to give the assurance he is good to play there at the World Cup.
I watched him play there, and he often look lost in the position.
Instead, I'd play a proper central defender there in Leon Balogun; while, Kenneth Omeruo and Troost-Ekong join the Brighton & Hive Albion defender to form a three-man back wall.
Midfield - John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi and John Obi Mikel:
I like when John Ogu play in midfield. He brings this added creativity and balance, and I think he will compliment the solidity of Wilfred Ndidi and also the flexibility of John Obi Mikel in that midfield.
Wing Backs - Elderson Echiejile (LWB) and Victor Moses (RWB):
This is where Ola Aina would have been preferable as left-wing-back with Bryan Idowu flopping around on the left side recently. Aina has played on the left-wing-back position with Chelsea, and can offer more in that position than Elderson Echiejile and Bryan Idowu. But in the absence of Ola Aina and with the continued floppiness of Bryan Idown, Elderson Echiejile remains the best option in the position.
Victor Moses ticks all the boxes when you're asking for a better player to play as a right-wing-back for the Super Eagles. But, if the coach wants him in a more advanced position, then Tyronne Ebuehi would also fit in well as right-wing-back.
Attack - Alex Iwobi and Simy Nwankwo:
As I mentioned earlier on, Iwobi should be playing just off the front man - linking play with the target man - up top, as well as linking play with the midfield and the wing backs. Simy Nwankwo should remain the target man - up top, regardless of the formation.
The Super Eagles left much to be desired with their performances during the warm up games, but still have the quality to produce brilliance when it matters most. So, can Gernot Rohr fix all that needs to be fixed, and adjust all that needs adjustment before our first game against Croatia? Only time will tell.
You can follow on twitter, and interact with me on matters concerning the Super Eagles and football in general by just clicking on this handle:@odikogodwin
In sincerity, the Super Eagles haven't given their fans any quality reason to be hopeful going into the World Cup (if you look at what they have showed in those friendlies). But, that's what friendlies are for: to give the coach a clearer picture about his/her team - going into a major competition.
And I think Gernot Rohr now understands fully - those areas in his team that requires fixing, and how to go about it.
So, how far can this Super Eagles go?
If you want to rate the team by their performances in the warm up games, then, we should not expect anything special from the team. But, if the coach can derive the positives out of the friendly games, and work on the negatives, then, I expect this team to (at least) match their 2014 World Cup performance - by getting into the second round. Because they have the quality to do so.
I watched all the Super Eagles warm up games (in preparation for the World Cup), and I have been able to identify the weaknesses in the team and ways to correct those weaknesses.
What are the weaknesses in this Super Eagles team and how can Gernot Rohr correct them?
One major problem with this Super Eagles team right now is the confusion in the mind of the coach in determining the best formation that suites this Super Eagles team and a bit of uncertainties in determining the right players for some specific roles/positions in those formations.
From what I have seen so far of the Super Eagles, I think the conventional 4-2-3-1 which the coach deployed during the qualifiers; remains the best formation for the team. We can always switch to the 3-5-2 system (which the team has practiced during the warm up games) when the need arises at the World cup.
And it's a very good thing; the team practiced the 3-5-2 system before the World Cup. It gave the coaching department a clue on those who should play in various positions in the new system.
So, who should start against Croatia and what system/formation should we use?
 |
| Croatia starting XI v Brazil |
The Croatians or Croats line-up in a 4-2-3-1 as displayed above when they played against Brazil in a friendly game. And I will love the Super Eagles to match them with the same formation.
 |
| How I expect the Super Eagles to line-up v Croatia |
And I am going to explain why I picked those players for those positions seen above for the Super Eagles.
Goalkeeper - Francis Uzoho:
Of course he still learning the ropes - playing for the B side of Deportivo La Coruna, and it's a major cause for concern. But he still looks our best option going into the World Cup and the games he has featured in - so far, has shown he is Gernot Rohr's preferred option between the sticks.
Right Back - Shehu Abdullahi:
I was really disappointed with the performance of the Bursaspor of Turkey player against Czech. Offered little or no assistance going forward, and was abysmal at the back. But, we have seen better performances from him during the qualifiers to discredit him for some off days during the warm up games.
Every time the coach brings Tyronne Ebuehi in as a replacement for the former Kano Pillars defender in the Super Eagles, Ebuehi has alaways gone on to impress.
I wouldn't start Shehu over Ebuehi in a 3-5-2 formation, though. Because Ebuehi looks more comfortable in the system than Shehu. But, let's give Shehu another opportunity to impress in that right-back position against Croatia. If he doesn't turn up on the day, then he can as well bid farewell to his place in the first team, with Tyronne Ebuehi waiting in the wings.
Central Defenders - Leon Balogun and Troost-Ekong:
Still remain our best pairing at the heart of the defense. But I think their form has also dipped as the entire team's performance waned recently. They would need to be at the top of their game again against the likes of Andrej Kramaric and Mario Mandzukic of Croatia.
Left Back - Elderson Echiejile:
Had the Super Eagles not played that friendly against Czech, I would have picked Bryan Idowu the other option at left-back over Elderson Echiejile. But the game against Czech showed us that the weakest link in the Super Eagles is the left-back position. And this will be a major cause of worry and concern for coach Gernot Rohr heading into the game against Croatia.
Bryan on many occasions; could barely get his cross into the box for any of his teammates to benefit from. More than two separate occasions I saw Odion Ighalo expressing his frustration - after getting himself into decent positions in the box to collect a pass or a cross from the Russia based defender, but none got to him. It was an awful performance from the Amkar Perm man on the day, leaving Gernot Rohr with no option than to play Echiejile against Croatia on the 16th of June.
Echiejile might lack the pace and stamina to operate as a proper left-back, if you look at his age. But he is left-footed and should be able to offer more going forward for the Super Eagles. Though, we might have to rely on just experience when it comes to defending for the 30-year-old left-back. But, he looks our best option at the left-back position, though, painful to admit.
Holding Midfielders - Wilfred Ndidi and Mikel Obi:
I think Wilfred Ndidi has shown everyone what he can offer in that position with Leicester City and during the Qualifiers with the Super Eagles. But, instead of pairing Ogenyi Onazi with the Leicester man in that holding-midfield position (as previously done), I think it would be ideal and better off to replace an Ogenyi Onazi who has been a complete shadow of his former self with a Mikel Obi who is a champion in that position as seen with Chelsea.
Though, Mikel Obi hasn't done badly - playing in that attacking midfield role for the Super Eagles, but I think it's best he plays in that holding position for us at the World Cup, dictating play from the role as well as shielding the back four properly as he known for at Chelsea.
Attacking Midfield - Alex Iwobi:
I watched an interview of Alex Iwobi in camp recently, and he was telling the interviewer how much he loves to play behind the striker (even though he can also play anywhere the coach wants him to play). But, I think it's best to play a player in his/her favorite position. It's the best way to get the best out of them. And I think Iwobi showed against England in the second half how good he is when he plays in that central midfield role. With Mikel and Ndidi offering protection in the deeper role, Iwobi can be focused on doing all the creativity and I am sure he will come out with flying colors.
Left wing (attack) - Ahmed Musa:
I would have picked Moses Simon straight up; had the KAA Gent man scaled through injuries to make the final 23-man team. But, in his absence, I will play Ahmed Musa there.
Musa has got the pace, and his finishing isn't the poorest if you consider his recent performances with CSKA Moscow. He is right-footed and can cut into his right foot to deliver shots and crosses from that left side. He scored two fantastic goals against Argentina at the last World Cup from that left wing, and I think he should be the man to play or start from the left wing against Croatia.
Another option is playing Alex Iwobi from the left wing to accommodate Iheanacho in attacking midfield or Mikel in attacking midfield. But Mikel as an attacking midfielder means I would like to see Iwobi play from the left wing, while John Ogu partners Wilfred Ndidi in holding midfield position.
Right Wing (attack) - Victor Moses:
Can't find a better position that suits Victor Moses than the right-wing position. In fact, he has excelled with Chelsea in Antonio Conte's two seasons playing as a right-wing-back. And I have seen him deliver sumptuous crosses to the likes of Alvaro Morata and Oliver Giroud of Chelsea from that RWB position.
The mere fact that he has excelled playing as a RWB counts for something when you talk about the need for a winger to be able to help out in defending.
If Gernot Rohr decides to play Ebuehi at right-back, the young man will benefit from Victor Moses' defensive prowess when he overlaps. And if it's Shehu, he too will profit from Victor Moses' defensive capabilities.
Striker - Simy Nwankwo:
Watford fans can attest to the fact that when Ighalo is on the top of his game, he can demolish any defensive setup. But when he is experiencing a goal drought, Ighalo can be very pestiferous.
You would have to go back to September 2017 against Cameroon for the last time Odion Ighalo found the back of the net. Meanwhile, Simy Nwankwo has showed against DR Congo what he can offer the team in attack, and those that have watched him play for Crotone can attest to the fact that he is a good finisher in the box. A predator actually.
His height will be useful in the box when the wing men blow in those crosses.
Utilizing set pieces has been another worrying issue with this Super Eagles, and I think Simy's height can be a factor that can correct that.
I read an interview of the Crotone striker recently and he said he 'really' can't wait to score his first goal for the Super Eagles. That's the kind of hunger and bite we want to see from our attackers at the World Cup.
That resolved, I have looked at the team when they played the alternative 3-5-2 formation in those friendlies, and I came up with the players I feel are best suited for each position; if the gaffer decides to start with three at the back.
Defense - Leon Balogun, Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo:
Gernot Rohr has utilized left-footed John Ogu on the left side of his three man defense, and as tactical as that looks, John Ogu hasn't really showed enough in that position to give the assurance he is good to play there at the World Cup.
I watched him play there, and he often look lost in the position.
Instead, I'd play a proper central defender there in Leon Balogun; while, Kenneth Omeruo and Troost-Ekong join the Brighton & Hive Albion defender to form a three-man back wall.
Midfield - John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi and John Obi Mikel:
I like when John Ogu play in midfield. He brings this added creativity and balance, and I think he will compliment the solidity of Wilfred Ndidi and also the flexibility of John Obi Mikel in that midfield.
Wing Backs - Elderson Echiejile (LWB) and Victor Moses (RWB):
This is where Ola Aina would have been preferable as left-wing-back with Bryan Idowu flopping around on the left side recently. Aina has played on the left-wing-back position with Chelsea, and can offer more in that position than Elderson Echiejile and Bryan Idowu. But in the absence of Ola Aina and with the continued floppiness of Bryan Idown, Elderson Echiejile remains the best option in the position.
Victor Moses ticks all the boxes when you're asking for a better player to play as a right-wing-back for the Super Eagles. But, if the coach wants him in a more advanced position, then Tyronne Ebuehi would also fit in well as right-wing-back.
Attack - Alex Iwobi and Simy Nwankwo:
As I mentioned earlier on, Iwobi should be playing just off the front man - linking play with the target man - up top, as well as linking play with the midfield and the wing backs. Simy Nwankwo should remain the target man - up top, regardless of the formation.
The Super Eagles left much to be desired with their performances during the warm up games, but still have the quality to produce brilliance when it matters most. So, can Gernot Rohr fix all that needs to be fixed, and adjust all that needs adjustment before our first game against Croatia? Only time will tell.
You can follow on twitter, and interact with me on matters concerning the Super Eagles and football in general by just clicking on this handle:@odikogodwin
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