Coming into AFCON, Nigeria, amongst other countries had issues with personnel registration due to Covid-19 as well as the unique dilemma of going into an international tournament with a new manager just four weeks prior.
The sacking of Gernot Rohr was greeted with mixed reactions form Nigerians as the German was able to bring stability to the national team and secure qualification for their third international tournament in a row after failing to qualify for two consecutive AFCON tournaments. Some thought his time had run it's course and others believed that letting him go was a mistake.
Augustine Eguavoen took over as a relative unknown to most fans and his arrival was greeted with less than ideal enthusiasm ahead of AFCON.
Fast forward to the present day and Nigeria have just secured a convincing result against fellow tournament favorites Egypt in their opening group fixture. It was one of the more convincing 1-0 results in a tournament that has seen most games end to a similar scoreline so far.
A great finish by Kelechi Ihenacho from a half volley turned out to be the difference between he two sides but they could've easily scored been more. Taiwo Awoniyi it the woodwork and Ejuke saw his chance saved after a one on one towards the end.
According to the statistics, Nigeria had less of the ball (43% possession) in the game but were in control of the central areas on the pitch. They allowed Egypt to have the ball in wider, less threatening areas. Their well timed pressing on the flanks forced Egypt to play inaccurate long balls towards a largely stranded Mohammed Salah. They were also able to win possession higher up the pitch and create some dangerous situations which they couldn't capitalize on.
Wildred Ndidi and Joe Aribo provided great solidity in midfield and were instrumental in breaking up potential counterattacks and winning lost/second balls. Aribo would occasionally step up and press the Egyptian holding midfielder in order to stop play from developing centrally.
Perhaps their best defensive work was the job was done on Mo Salah. They had the best player in the world feeding off scraps throughout and were able to limit him to one shot all game. He lost 6 out of his 8 attempted duels and his central striking position made him less threatening with his back to goal. Egypt’s tendency to sit back and soak up pressure didn't help his cause either. His performance on Tuesday night led to him being the object of several hilarious memes on Twitter as Nigerians found different ways to troll his performance.
The Super Eagles offence was characterized by their width and quick movement of the ball in possession. They looked to create situations for the wingers to isolate opposition defenders with the fullbacks making runs beyond them for support.
Moses Simon on the left wing was one of the best players on the pitch as he showed great pace and skill to get beyond his man but his crossing was erratic. He was involved in Nigeria’s first goal and could've gotten an assist or two with more accurate end product.
Ola Aina at right back also had a great game. He made well-timed overlapping and underlapping runs to create crossing and shooting situations for himself. He attacked more and more as his influence grew in the second half and he could have been rewarded with an assist after his cross for Taiwo Awoniyi was saved by Mohammed El Shenawi.
Taiwo Awoniyi had a good showing for his country in what was only his second appearance at senior level. The Union Berlin striker worked hard for 72 minutes before getting subbed off. He would be disappointed to have not scored after his header was saved but his tireless running has seen him win over supporters. His movement into space and willingness to stretch the opposition defence are great tools to have and sooner rather than later his goals will follow.
His partnership with Kelechi Ihenacho showed promising signs as they the former tried to play him on a couple of occasions to no avail. That U-17 world cup winning connection will come good for Nugeria in the near future.
Chidera Ejuke made a strong cameo appearance and could've doubled Nigeria’s lead late in the game. The CSKA Moskow wide man might be set for a breakout tournament if given enough game time.
The Super Eagles squad depth is still of good quality considering the players that couldn't make it to the tournament. The depth on the flanks will be crucial as they prefer to play with width and stretch the opposition.
Nigeria will need to improve on their decision making and final ball in order to kill games off in the future but that will come with reps on the pitch as a group. The future is bright for the Super Eagles and come February, the future may be Green and White.