Worrying signs for the Super Eagles
In the current times of social media, where we are used to seeing the energetic Nigerian squad singing songs on the way to games, on the pitch, we saw the complete opposite.
Nigeria kicked off the AFCON 2023 campaign with a 1–1 draw with Equatorial Guinea. A match where the Super Eagles were expected to come out victorious, what Nigerian fans were left with was an uninspiring performance that lacked energy.
No recognised Playing style
Nigeria lacks a playing style, and have done so for many years. On the pitch wingers Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon seemed to be acting in hope as opposed to playing with a purpose. There was a lethargy to Nigeria’s performance. The Super Eagles only upped the ante when they went behind to Salvador’s side footed finish, and scored immediately with a main man Victor Osimhen heading into the oppositions net from Lookman’s left footed cross. For the rest of the game, despite having chances, Nigeria never really imposed their superior quality over their opponents.
Question marks have also been raised around the manager’s starting line. Following yesterday’s performance, Nigeria may have benefitted from a midfielder playing closer to Osimhen, as Osimhen was often left isolated. The introduction of Kelechi Iheanacho in their next game could help to increase the potency of Nigeria’s attack.
Chances for the rest of the tournament?
Nigeria will need to seriously improve if they are to challenge the likes of Ivory Coast, Senegal and others for the ultimate prize. They will need to implement a sense of urgency and introduce new patterns of play, as they are currently too easy to play against.
Elsewhere at AFCON…
Hosts kick off the tournament in style.
One of Ivory Coast’s aims before their tournament opener, would have been to send a message to the rest of the nations at this year’s tournament, and they duly did so. Excellent finishes from Seko Fofano and Jean-Phillipe Krasso put the hosts in a good position for group qualification. Ivory Coast also showcased their squad depth, as they were able to rest two of their frontline at the 60-minute mark and call on the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Karim Konate. Ultimately, saturday’s performance solidifies the hosts as one of the tournament favourites.
Salah’ rescues a point for Egypt
Egypt needed a penalty in the 97th minute of the game to salvage a point and a 2–2 draw against an inspired Mozambique outfit. Egypt took the lead in the 2nd minute but were hit by a quickfire double in the 55th and 58th minute by Quembo and Palmirim David Bauque respectively. Salah also spurned a good opportunity in the 82nd minute to find an equaliser but snatched at the opportunity.
If Salah is to bring home the trophy for the Pharaohs, he and Egypt will need to find their groove soon, and become more clinical as the AFCON is the tournament where you should expect the unexpected.
Despair for Ghana, jubilation for Cape Verde
The Black Stars kicked off their campaign in the worst way possible conceding in stoppage time to a Garry Rodrigues goal that sent Cape Verde to the top of the group. In a match where Chris Houghton would have expected to take at least a point, Ghana were held to the sword by a Cape Verde side led by ex-Manchester United player, Bebe. Cape Verde were good value for their victory as they were the better team on the day.
This is tournament football, so Ghana don’t have much time to change their fortunes. The Black Stars must react in their next game against a tough Egypt side to remain within a chance of qualifying from Group B. On the other hand, Cape Verde have shown pedigree at the AFCON in previous years and after their strong start, will be confident of qualifying from Group B.
