Two noticeable improvements in Peseiro's tactical approach to win vs Sao Tome and Principe

Nigeria recorded its biggest international win against Sao Tome and Principe on Monday with a 10-0 scoreline at the Agadir Stadium in Morocco.

In competitive games, Jose Peseiro's reign as Super Eagles coach has got off to the best of starts with two consecutive victories.

Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Emmanuel Dennis and Oghenekaro Etebo were on hand to put the opponents to the sword.

However, despite the large victory, allnigeriasoccer.com noticed two improvements in Peseiro's tactical approach to the game which will be analysed.

Patient build-up

It was quite obvious that Nigeria opted to abandon the quick build-up play they adopted against Sierra Leone.

This can be attributed to the presence of Stoke City midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo who was in no way rushed on the ball.

His ability to hold on to the ball in deep areas under pressure was instrumental in sucking the Sao Tome players in and exposing their defensive line to the mercy of one line-breaking pass.

Immediately the pass came from either Etebo or Iwobi, Nigeria was immediately left with their attacking players in isolation situations against their counterparts.

The likes of Simon, Osimhen and Lookman are beasts in this kind of situation and they were able to exploit their strengths to the fullest.

Half space protection

The half-spaces (space between the centre-backs and full-backs) were poorly protected against Sierra Leone and this caused a lot of problems.

Against Sao Tome and Principe, Peseiro made sure the half-spaces were well protected and this forced the Sao Tome players wider the few times they ventured forward.

Wider means less danger and reliance on crosses which Ajayi and Bassey were on hand to mop up.

This is a massive improvement from Peseiro as the opposite was the case against Mexico and Ecuador with both games ending in losses.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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