Get Guardian on GoogleThe Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a comfortable win over Tanzania to put their AFCON 2027 chase back on track after a worrying start to the qualification series, with a nervy 2-1 win over Madagascar and a shocking loss to Guinea-Bissau.
Ajax Amsterdam striker Tolu Arokdare came off the bench to bag a brace to power Eric Chelle’s side to a 3-1 win over the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday night.
New England Revolution midfielder Alhassan Yusuf marked his return to the national team after a period of absence with a goal as he scored the opener after just two minutes of action.
Tanzania’s Alphonce Msanga equalized two minutes after the half-hour mark – a goal that raised concerns about the Super Eagles’ midfield setup after Wilfred Ndidi lost the ball to the opponent after a tackle on him.
However, the introduction of Arokodare and Moses Usor in the second half made the difference on the night as the Super Eagles claimed victory in the first leg of the double header.
The victory brings relief as they are now a point behind table-toppers Guinea Bissua, who have seven points after the 1-1 draw against Madagascar in Meknes on Thursday.
Below are our observations from the match.
- Eric Chelle’s midfield diamond is counterproductive
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle is a loyal disciple of the 4-4-2 diamond setup which he has employed for most of his managerial stints. The midfield diamond helps the team dominate possession and create overloads in the central areas, and that was evident as the Super Eagles dominated possession in the early exchanges.
Eric Chelle started with Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Alex Iwobi at the tip of the diamond, relieving him of the duties of dropping deep to receive balls in the Super Eagles’ half.
However, the set-up left the midfield open, with Wilfred Ndidi being the lone player in the central midfield, and his error led to the equalizer as the opposition effortlessly strolled through the midfield, with Nnadi and Yusuf missing to help avert the danger, leaving the defense with no cover.
The Franco-Malian manager started the qualifier against Madagascar with the same setup but was forced to make adjustments in the second half with the introduction of wingers who helped in stretching play and opening up the opposition defense line.
Chelle must understand that the player profiles he has at this period are not exactly suited to play in that structure. Hence, he must stop experimenting and play to the strengths of his players to maximise results. It is interesting to note that Ndidi made up for his mistake by providing the assist to Arokodare’s first goal. The Besiktas midfielder currently has an inclination to be more offensive than defensive, so the manager might have to redefine his role in the team’s setup going forward.
2. Arokodare and bench impact
The popular argument online is that the Super Eagles struggle to win without Osimhen, given his tireless work and the threat he poses in front of goal, but that was not the case last night, as Tolu Arokodare rose to the occasion. The Ajax Amsterdam striker and LASK winger, Moses Usor, came off the bench to impact the game at a point when the newly installed but malfunctioning digital LED board was stealing the attention of the fans away from the Super Eagles.
Arokodare had earlier told journalists he gives his best for the national team always when responding to the question of how he intends to replicate his club form when playing for the national team.
The 25-year-old responded in kind with a brace that secured victory for the Super Eagles as he registered his fourth career goal for the national team. Arokodare’s impact indicates Eric Chelle’s team doesn’t rely on just specific individuals to thrive. Moses Usor also came off the bench to provide the assist to Arokodare’s second goal. The LASK winger marked his debut with a goal and made a significant contribution in his third appearance for the national team.
3. Squad depth and Tactical Adjustment
The introduction of the duo showed the importance of squad depth with the absence of Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who provided the assist for the first goal but went off injured afterwards.
Eric Chelle also deserves credit for responding swiftly to his midfield structure in the second half. Chelle opted for a flat 4-4-2 formation with the introduction of Arokodare and Moses Usor for Alhassan Yusuf and Tochukwu Nnadi. Usor and Simon expanded play, giving Super Eagles width on the wings while also stretching Tanzania’s defense line. Wilfred Ndidi took advantage as he made an off-the-ball run into the opposition’s box, which led to the second goal.
Arokodare’s presence in Tanzania’s box caused havoc as he used his frame well in holding up play and winning aerial and second balls as the Super Eagles wrapped up a decent outing in Uyo with maximum points ahead of the second leg on Tuesday.
Eric Chelle is expected to have a review of the first leg with his technical crew ahead of the second leg. Ademola Lookman will likely be out of the match, which means Chelle might start one of Usor or Arokodare while also making adjustments to his midfield arrangement.
The defense looked a bit shaky. Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey partnered in central defense, but both were in sixes and sevens in Tanzania’s equalizer. Chelle might keep the duo with the hope that they recover well and put in a more commanding display. Ola Aina played at left-back and might continue in that position, while 21-year-old Abdullahi Bewene, who had a brilliant outing on Friday night, is also likely to retain his spot.
