The Super Eagles are restoring the feeling. Three convincing wins from three means Nigeria are the only team to advance with a 100% record the group stages - something they haven't achieved since 2006.
After already securing qualification, Augustine Eguavoen fielded largely rotated squad. Eight changes were made to the team for their comfortable 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau on Wednesday night.
Sadiq Umar opened the scoring 11 minutes after the interval when he slotted home from an exquisite cross from Kelechi Ihenacho. The Super Eagles then added a second through William Troost-Ekong, scoring off a rebound after a mazy run in the box by Moses Simon whose initial shot hit the crossbar.
It was a better performance in possession for Nigeria as there were no sloppy spells on the ball and they were able to play better out of defence. Their creativity from midfield though, was lacking due to the absence of Joe Aribo but Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Nwakali were able keep things going smoothly in a game where that was all that was required of them.
Semi Ajayi was a standout amongst the rotated players. The West Bromwich Albion defender’s ability in possession was impressive as he was the team’s best passer on the night. He had a passing accuracy of 87% with 6 accurate long balls. His ball carrying was also impressive as he was able to step into midfield and play forward passes into the wingers and strikers up front.
Defensively, he had a solid game with 3 interceptions made (the most in the game) due to his aggressive play which was helpful for Nigeria when they played with a higher line.
He showed with his performance that he offers something different on the ball as well as off it. There is probably little chance that he starts during the knockout stages but realistically, he should be playing a bigger role for the Super Eagles as they make a deeper run in the tournament.
Despite scoring, It was a poor showing from Umar Sadiq. The Almeria striker was sloppy on the ball and he was dispossessed often. He tried to hold the ball up when Nigeria were in possession but he just couldn't make it stick. He should have scored in the first half after he was played through on goal but he couldn't sort his feet out on time and the chance was gone.
What he did well though was running down the channels. He was able to stretch the defense in transition and put himself in the right positions with his movement. His positioning at the back post allowed him to convert for the opener before he was subbed off immediately after.
“I’m leaving here with something”, Umar Sadiq said, Probably.
Let's talk about Moses Simon. He is quite good isn't he?
He came on in the 57th minute to replace Chidera Ejuke for arguably the best substitute performance of any player in the competition so far. He had the Guinea Bissau defenders on skates throughout his cameo and was relentless with his offense. He should've scored after a brilliant piece of skill in the box to get past a few defenders and release a shot that crashed onto the bar.
He has been one of, if not the best player in this tournament. Moses Simon stocks are skyrocketing at the moment with no signs of dipping. Moses Simon will be the difference come the later stages for the Super Eagles if he continues his amazing form.
Nigeria are a matchup none of the teams want to face in the last 16 as the Super Eagles will be confident and ready for anyone. It's going to be scary, but not for us.