AFCON 2021 : Five takeaways from Nigeria's disappointing 1-0 loss to Tunisia

 
Izuchukwu Michael presents five things noted  from the game.


1. Same Regular Starters

Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen did not make changes to his preferred regulars and that made his formation predictable.

Had Eguavoen shuffled his pack and let some of his players take on different positions, that could have kept the Tunisians guessing.

2. Cautious First Half

Both teams sized each other up in the first half and were not overly under pressure to make attacking threats. That slightly improved on the second half and of course Tunisia profited.

3. Umar Redemption

Sadiq Umar was one of the most criticized players in the Super Eagles for being profligate in the group stages. However when he came off the bench against Tunisia, he was the player that looked likely to get an equaliser.


4. Nwakali, Ejuke Should Have Played

The Eagles coach should have brought the duo of Kelechi Nwakali and Chidera Ejuke to bring some missing creativity in midfield down the flanks.

The two do not play and that should count as a huge mistake for Eguavoen.


5. Tunisia Defended In Numbers

The Tunisians packed 10 mem behind the ball and defended in numbers which made it impossible to get past them as admitted by Austin Eguavoen in his post match conference.

Hopefully the team learn from their errors before the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs against Ghana.