Classy Iwobi and four other takeaways from Super Eagles loss to Ecuador

The following are allnigeriasoccer.com's takeaways from the game against Ecuador as the Super Eagles look forward to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe.

Osimhen’s Competition Absent

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen was not involved in the two friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador.

The strikers who were in the team Cyriel Dessers, Emmanuel Dennis, Victor Mbaoma and Terem Moffi all proved by their performances that they will remain as second choices in the team.

Dessers against Mexico showed flashes of brilliance but was poor to say the least during Friday morning's game.

Classy Iwobi

Alex Iwobi produced a great deal of creativity in the game against Ecuador as he carved open an impregnable backline with sublime passes. However the forwards failed to score from the chances he created.

The Everton star has shown that if he was available for the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs against Ghana, perhaps the team could have nicked the ticket.

Bassey Efforts

Calvin Bassey had another good game, this time against Ecuador. The Rangers star provided key crosses into the box and most importantly defended well.

Like All Nigeria Soccer stated previously, only Zaidu Sanusi will challenge him at the moment - Jamilu Collins may have lost the chance.

Set-piece Still An Eagles Issue

Defending from set pieces has been the bane of the Super Eagles and in the game game against Ecuador conceded early. Jose Peseiro has to work out a good formula to deal with this.

Another point worth addressing is if the team should stick with the zonal or man-marking system when defending set pieces.

At the other end, the team must strive to produce great dead ball specialists from free kicks as Austin Okocha and Rashidi Yekini made the team a dangerous side for defences.

Super Eagles Must Score Early Against Sierra Leone, Sao Tome

The Super Eagles must begin their 2023 AFCON qualifiers like a house on fire and not allow any of their opponents, Sierra Leone and Sao Tome to score early as witnessed in the two friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador.

The strikers must take their chances and midfield able to retain possession of the ball.

The defensive midfield position is over stretched as key players there had had injury woes of late.

Too much pressure must not be on the full backs to support the attack.

Izuchukwu Michael

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