2022 World Cup qualifier : Five observations from Nigeria's 2-0 win over Liberia

The Super Eagles cruised to a 2-0 win over Liberia on matchday one of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers on Friday evening.

Allnigeriasoccer.com's Izuchukwu Okosi, who was present at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, reveals five observations from the win :

Switch of Wing Plays

The duo of Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho kept the Liberian defence guessing all evening.

It was a smart tactic which ensured that the defenders were dragged out of positions.

Etebo Should Have Played From Start

Watford midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo was only introduced in the 90th minute of the game when the match was almost over.

The Eagles midfield let the Liberian have lots of possessions in the game and an Etebo/Ndidi partnership could have arrested those situations.

Thankfully the game was won and his absence for much of the game was not overly felt.

Improved Play By The Full Backs

The duo of Ola Aina and Jamilu Collins had difficult times in the first half but improved markedly in the second half.

They defended and helped in attack in good measure and it will be nice to see how Gernot Rohr picks his men for the positions on Tuesday afternoon against Cape Verde..

The Rain Almost Ruined The Day

Some parts of the Teslim Balogun stadium were still waterlogged but just a small portion, close to the half way mark.

Nonetheless the fans hailed every good pass by the Super Eagles and booed the Liberian whenever they fouled the Nigerian Players.

Non-playing substitutes Warm Up

Aside the goalkeeping duo of Francis Uzoho and Daniel Ajpeyi, other outfield players had their post match warm up which was expected of players who did not play in the match.

Chidera Ejuke, Kenneth Omeruo, Innocent Bonke and Tyronne Ebuehi were out on the pitch with one of the assistant coaches for a short period to warm up much to the excitement of the fans and media who stayed back to watch them.