Five things Super Eagles must do avoid defeat against vengeance-seeking Indomitable Lions 

A wounded Cameroon side awaits a tactically precise Nigeria in Sunday's marquee AFCON Round of 16 battle.

After unexpectedly crashing out in the knockout stages of the 2019 AFCON owing to a loss against the Super Eagles, Indomitable Lions boss Rigobert Song will have his side bristling with intent to wreak vengeance on familiar foes. 

With both teams evenly matched, manager Jose Peseiro acknowledges the sizable challenge confronting his Super Eagles outfit. Outfoxing Cameroon presents no small task. 

Peseiro understands preventing chances for a Cameroon side with boundless attacking options shapes as the surest path navigating this knockout minefield.

Maintaining his squad's focus and minimizing mistakes makes surviving to the quarterfinals achievable.

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at 5 key strategies Peseiro must employ to escape with Nigeria's AFCON dreams intact:

1. Suffocate Midfield

With Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa the heartbeat of Cameroon's possession play, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka must sandwich the Napoli midfielder quickly upon losing the ball.

Their industry pressing in tandem is essential to disrupt Cameroon's rhythm.

2. Swarm Toko Ekambi

Former Villarreal speedster Karl Toko Ekambi carries one of the most individual magic in Cameroon's frontline.

Stationing extra attention from right back Ola Aina provides auxiliary cover for William Troost-Ekong to minimize space for Toko Ekambi operating off the left. 

3. Squeeze Cameroon's forward line

The Indomitable Lions forward line feasts off quality service from the middle of the park- something the athletic nature of the Super Eagles defense has the mobility and power to complicate.

Cutting off supply lines to the forwards from midfield makes Cameroon one-dimensional and predictable.  

4. Release Moses Simon on Counter

If Cameroon does commit extra attackers, the lightning pace of Moses Simon presents Nigeria opportunities to transition rapidly.

Quick balls over the top or into channels can allow Simon isolation situations against Cameroon's center-backs in a foot race the winger should win.  

5. Stay Disciplined Late

When chasing the game in a knockout tie, Cameroon's emotions can override strategy. Nigeria must avoid overcommitting forward themselves or losing composure in reaction to the heated nature of the game if the match remains tight late.

Ejim Kaycee

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com