2023 AFCONQ : Would Nigeria have scored 10 if the match was played at MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja?

While the Super Eagles' resounding triumph against Sao Tome and Principe would be credited to the tactical set-up and quality of the players, credit must be given to the quality and condition of the Moroccan pitch.

The pitch at the Stade d'Agadir is unquestionably one of the best in Africa.

However, the story was contrasting in the first AFCONQ game against Sierra Leone at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

The pitch condition was terrible which made it difficult. Passes were misplaced, underhit and overhit. Controlling the ball was made more difficult and players had to readjust themselves in order to trap the ball correctly.

The pitch could even be blamed for the injury to Troost Ekong. So, a very honest question is "Will Nigeria score ten goals against San Tome and Principe at the Moshood Abiola Stadium at its current state"?

The conditions at the M.K.O Stadium were not conducive for players to succeed. At the Agadir Stadium, the ease at which the passing flowed could be seen right from the start of the game.

The movement of the ball was fluid and calculative. Not once was the ball's movement impeded due to holes or shortened grass on the pitch. This aided the Nigerian players in the implementation of the coach's tactics.

One of the reasons why Nigeria was able to score such number of goals against Sao Tome and Principe was because they were able to sustain pressure smoothly for very long.

The Sao Tome defence cracked badly under the intense pressure. At the M.K.O Stadium, it would be incredibly difficult to do the same because the pitch would disrupt the flow.

Allnigeriasoccer.com thinks the Super Eagles may not be able to have scored ten goals if the match was held in Abuja.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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