Topic: Nigeria 2 Vs 1 Benin Republic: 5 things we learnt from Super Eagles’ win in AFCON 2021 qualifier  (Read 3432 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Nigeria 2 Vs 1 Benin Republic: 5 things we learnt from Super Eagles’ win in AFCON 2021 qualifier

Some observations on the Super Eagles from the 2-1 win over Benin.
   
   
   
       
       
           
               
                   

Some observations on the Super Eagles from the 2-1 win over Benin.


               
           
               
                   

The Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier with a 2-1 win over the Republic of Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Wednesday, November 13. 


               
           
               
                   

Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu scored in each half to help Nigeria bounce back from a goal down


               
           
               
                   

These are five things we learnt from the game. 


               
           
               
                   

1. Samuel Kalu showing his importance 


               
           
               
                   
                  Samuel Kalu was Man of the Match and scored the winner in the second (Twitter/Super Eagles)                 
Samuel Kalu was Man of the Match and scored the winner in the second (Twitter/Super Eagles)
               

               
           
               
                   

ALSO READ: Nigeria  2 Vs 1 Benin Republic: Nigerians react to Twitter


               
           
               
                   

Samuel Kalu has always been a talented player and it would just a matter of time before he started to show it. He was one of Nigeria’s best players in the 2-2 draw against Ukraine in October but missed the game against Brazil. 


               
           
               
                   

He returned for the game against Benin and showed us why he is an important player in the squad. The goal threats came mostly from him, dribbling to his right from the left side of attack to trouble the defence. That was how his goal came about, he waltzed through several bodies in defence to make room to shoot at goal. A brilliant move for the solo goal the game needed. 


               
           
               
                   

2. Semi Ajayi at home in Super Eagles defence


               
           
               
                   

After failing to convince his call up in midfield, Semi Ajayi has found a home in the Super Eagles defence alongside William Troost-Ekong. Against Benin he was solid again, closing down spaces, clearing the ball well and being composed. 


               
           
               
                   

Apart from the sloppy defending that game Benin their opening goal, the Super Eagles defence was at their best all evening and Ajayi contributed a lot to that. 


               
           
               
                   

3. Joe Aribo makes competitive debut 


               
           
               
                   

Joe Aribo is now a complete Nigeria international after making his competitive debut for the Super Eagles. He had played in two friendly games before the game on Wednesday and that wouldn’t have tied him down to Nigeria. 


               
           
               
                   

Not that there was any threat of him going elsewhere, but it was good to see the promising midfielder commit fully to Nigeria. 


               
           
               
                   

He was solid in the game too, staying back more to provide solidity in midfield with Wilfred Ndidi and he came out unscathed in his first game against African opposition. 


               
           
               
                   

4. Super Eagles go gritty 


               
           
               
                   

As expected against African opposition, this was a battle that needed more grit than style and the Super Eagles came out tops. Despite going behind, the Super Eagles controlled the game, won every first ball and physically dominated the game. 


               
           
               
                   

Gernot Rohr’s new Super Eagles had impressed with their style of play against Ukraine and Brazil. But when it comes to African football, it’s always different. This was their first test and they passed. 


               
           
               
                   

5. Jamilu Collins still not convincing


               
           
               
                   

German-based left-back Jamilu Collins had another poor game for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He was caught napping for Benin’s early goal and gave away the ball with some sloppy play that almost gave the away side an equaliser late in the game. 


               
           
               
                   

Collins has been the first-choice left-back since his first callup but he is yet to repay Rohr’s faith. 


Source: Nigeria 2 Vs 1 Benin Republic: 5 things we learnt from Super Eagles’ win in AFCON 2021 qualifier

- gist culled from pulseng

 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
0 Replies
980 Views
Last post June 28, 2018, 01:02:11 AM
by PulseNG
0 Replies
763 Views
Last post June 27, 2019, 01:00:58 AM
by PulseNG
0 Replies
1333 Views
Last post July 19, 2019, 01:21:33 AM
by olutee
0 Replies
1287 Views
Last post July 19, 2019, 01:11:54 PM
by flukky-1
0 Replies
600 Views
Last post November 13, 2020, 01:02:32 AM
by observer
0 Replies
642 Views
Last post February 10, 2021, 07:00:33 PM
by flukky-1
0 Replies
554 Views
Last post April 05, 2021, 01:02:12 PM
by PulseNG
0 Replies
380 Views
Last post January 31, 2022, 07:02:07 AM
by PulseNG
0 Replies
319 Views
Last post February 06, 2022, 01:09:43 PM
by PulseNG
0 Replies
339 Views
Last post June 14, 2022, 01:02:41 AM
by PulseNG