2023 AFCONQ : Five observations from Nigeria's record win against Sao Tome and Principe

Nigeria's Super Eagles were merciless on Monday in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe with the 10-0 spanking at the Stade d' Agadir, their biggest ever win in international football.

These are allnigeriasoccer.com's observations from the matchday two fixture.

Peseiro's Tactical Flexibility

Head coach José Peseiro fielded Oghenekaro Etebo in place of Joe Aribo, Ademola Lookman started ahead of Samuel Chukwueze, Moffi was preferred to Umar Sadiq and Calvin Bassey moved to a centre back role to pair Semi Ajayi.  

Zaidu Sanusi played from the left position and helped himself to an assist.

Peseiro has shown flexibility in his lineups and it is going to be hard for opposing teams to second-guess what he has up his sleeve.

Central Defensive Options

With the injury to captain William Troost-Ekong, it was an interesting subject as per who the coach will field.

Perhaps only Semi Ajayi was guaranteed a starting place as he has been in action in Peseiro's matches thus far but rather than Leon Balogun who has established himself in the team over the last few years, Peseiro went for Calvin Bassey.

The central defensive role is one played by Bassey at his club, Glasgow Rangers in Scotland along with his traditional left back position.

With Chidozie Awaziem, Kenneth Omeruo and Valentine Ozornwafor still available, fight for the two spots in central defence will be interesting to see.

Etebo's Free-kick Goal

It was great to see Oghenekaro Etebo's free kick from the edge of the opposition penalty box

The new head coach should endeavour to have at least five players in this team perfect their dead ball skills.

More Eagles Goals

With Peseiro's attacking style of play, it is possible to see the Eagles score many goals in a qualifying campaign or at major tournaments.

On Monday it could be argued that the team played against a hapless team but with his preference for a double attacking pair, it is likely that the team will score aplenty.

More defensive midfielders

Jose Peseiro will need to scout for more defensive midfielders or try and bring out the best from the ones he possesses at the moment.

When the qualifiers resume in September, Wilfred Ndidi is expected to have recovered from the injury he copped during the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs against Ghana.

Aside Ndidi, the team will need to have at least two quality players in that ilk.

Etebo, Frank Onyeka and Innocent Bonke will need to improve their games in that position.

 Izuchukwu Michael

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