Izuchukwu OkosiNigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw by Saudi Arabia in Friday’s international friendly at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão in the first of two friendly games.
Prime Business Africa‘s Izuchukwu Okosi presents the five observations from the game.
1. Lost chances
The Nigerian side missed some clearcut chances to score in the first half but could not put them away.
They however had a much better second half. The team would need to be more clinical in front of goal.
2. Physical Eagles
The Super Eagles were not overly dominated by the Saudi Arabians in the match.
The likes of Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Victor Boniface and Semi Ajayi had duels that showed the team can withstand the pressure from teams that set out to intimidate them.
3. The Goalkeepers Conundrum Continues
Aside one outstanding save in the first half, Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was shaky in between sticks.
The Apoel Nicosia of Cyprus keeper palmed the ball into his own net for the first goal he conceded from a delightful free kick and was wrongfooted for the second goal.
4. Iwobi’s Creative Burden
Aside Fulham forward, Alex Iwobi, the Super Eagles are lacking in quality in terms of creative midfielders.
When Iwobi was subbed off, his replacement, Joe Aribo spotting the reverred number 10 jersey, did not produce the same masterful performance in the middle of the park.
He gave away possessions and was clumsy in tackles.
The Eagles need a creative midfielder join forces with Iwobi. This is where the decision of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to represent England and not Nigeria really hurts.
5. Great Substitutions
Almost all the changes made by Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro proved to be match-winning ones as the duo of Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho in particular had excellent games.
Peseiro had always been accused of lacking tactical nous but his recent decisions from the bench had been game-transforming.
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