Five Takeaways From Eagles' Embarrassing 4-4 Draw Vs Opponents Ranked 120th In The World

Izuchukwu Okosi writes on the takeaways from the clash.

1. Super Eagles Players' Attitude

The Eagles romped to a comfortable 4-1 lead in the first half of the game but was atrocious in the second half which shows that the players clearly did not rate their opponents as worthy of getting any result from a three goal deficit.

That shows that there should be an attitudinal change. Football has changed and a win is not guaranteed until the final whistle. This stresses criticisms directed at head coach Gernot Rohr over his tactical abilities.

2. Long Passes Gone Wrong

The Eagles lost possession a lot of times with their diagonal long passes. The thinking was obviously to outrun the defence of the visitors which worked a trick a few times but most times failed.

3. The Central Defensive Headache

The trio of William Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun (starters) and Semi Ajayi were in action on Friday evening but were very disappointing. Perhaps what this shows is that Gernot Rohr and his technical crew have a lot of psychological work to do on the players he already has or have not found the best pair for the team worthy of facing the best attacks in world football.

4. Musa's Best Are Behind Him

Ahmed Musa has had a splendid career for Nigeria through the ranks. He is a fantastic footballer and even a better man with a good, lovely heart.

However the terrifying pace down the flanks that his game is known for seem to have deserted him.

He gave away the ball on Friday and never quite created those wow moments we know him for.

5. The Benin Weather

There were two water breaks in both halves and it just adds to the whole drama witnessed on Friday. Was the weather s factor in the poor display by the Super Eagles?

It will be interesting to know the views of the coach and his players on this.

Izuchukwu Okosi