Why Serbia Will Be A Tougher Game For Nigeria Than Poland

It's Nigeria versus Serbia tonight in both countries' second international friendly game in March.

In this feature, Izuchukwu Okosi examines why this game could be a sterner test for Gernot Rohr and his team than Poland.

1. Injury Mounting Up For Eagles

The Super Eagles could have some vital players missing tonight's game due to injury.

Kelechi Iheanacho, Shehu Abdullahi, Oghenakaro Etebo, Leon Balogun and Odion Ighalo have one injury complaint or the other.

Their supposed replacements are not bad but these are players that are mainly in Gernot Rohr's first team plans.


2. Serbia Keen To Stop Bad Run

Serbia lost against African opposition, Morocco, in their last friendly, a 2-1 defeat and will be hard pressed to stop a run of bad form that have seen them lose twice in five matches.

Serbia players have been vocal in the media, stressing the fact that they know the Nigerian side to be physical.

That is a memo served Rohr and his team to expect a very difficult game. Hopefully more players will not cop injuries that will be detrimental to their clubs' and World Cup objectives.


3. Inspirational Mikel Still Missing

Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi is set to miss tonight's clash against the Serbians as he is not able to travel due to traveling issues.

Mikel's vision, passes and leadership qualities will be sorely missed at the Hive Stadium.

No nation goes to war without its warriors and Mikel Obi is that figure that could have given more spring to the other Eagles players' steps.


4. Familiar Foes

A couple of the Serbian players like  Dušan Tadić , Nemanja Matic and Alexander Kolarov have played or still play in the English Premier League, Italian Serie A, Portuguese and Russian Premier Leagues where Nigerian players have been strutting their skills.

That ultimately means that aside studying the match tapes of the Super Eagles, the Serbian players know their opposition pretty well.

On the road to France 98, Nigeria lost 3-0 to Yugoslavia in an international friendly. Serbia was a part of the country.

Technically, the rivalry between both nations will not start tonight, so they can tell one or two things about Nigeria's playing style.


5. Players Not Ready To Get Injured

The last point highlighted in this piece is not dissimilar to the first one.

Some of the Eagles stars endured a very physical game against the Polish side and will be hoping they come out of this game not jeopardizing their chances to play crucial parts for their European clubs.

Unlike Friday night when they fairly played more passionately, the Eagles players nay choose to be more careful tonight.

Some players from other countries have had their players pull out from tonight's game. That could send the alarm bell ringing that their club managers and teammates/opposing players are not ready to compromise their places at their clubs.

Izuchukwu  Okosi

Photo Credit : fss.rs