Nigeria v Sierra Leone : Three tactical adjustments Peseiro can adopt in his starting lineup

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchup between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Sierra Leone is scheduled for Thursday at 17:00 as we all know.

Nigeria's head coach Jose Peseiro is into his third game as manager and is yet to record a win during his two previous games.

Thursday evening's game is a key one as a win would be significant in many ways.

1) It would give a significant boost to the players after suffering two consecutive defeats to Mexico and Ecuador.

2) It would relax tensed fans and officials who may be desperate to record a win after five Super Eagles matches without a win.

3)  A win would boost morale and productivity as the first game in international tournaments is usually very important to mark with a win.

Due to the significance of this game, allnigeriasoccer.com looks at three tactical adjustments Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro can adopt in whichever set-up he decides to go with against Sierra Leone.

Adding an extra body in midfield

Control is key. Sierra Leone manager John Keister favours a 4-3-3 attacking setup. This is an attacking formation in all ramifications.

If properly managed, the 4-3-3 can be rendered toothless but if managed poorly, damage control would be the last resort.

To control Keister's 4-3-3 and keep them at arm's length, Peseiro may need to add an extra man in the midfield either directly or indirectly. Directly by going with a midfield three, indirectly by tasking a player to get quickly into midfield and aid control.

Starting a winger/attacking midfielder up front alongside a striker

Peseiro has started with two strikers up front in each of his last two games. However, a slight adjustment of putting a winger/attacking midfielder upfront with a striker might be the way to go.

This would give more channel running, dynamism and pace to the forward line. It can also expose Sierra Leone's half-space position if utilised correctly.

However, much will depend on the profile/quality of the player given the nod.

Instruct one full-back/wing-back to invert

By doing this, one of the full-backs/wing-backs moves into midfield while the other gallops forward to provide an extra option and width on the attack.

This will help protect Nigeria's backline from facing dangerous transitional attacks from Sierra Leone's quick forwards.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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