The Nigeria National Team have called up quite a large number of new faces for the clashes against Algeria and Tunisia. With about more than 2 players making their debuts for the National Team, Nigeria fell to a 1-0 loss to Defending AFCON Champion, Algeria.
These players include, Zaidu Sanusi of Porto who is a left back by trade, Kevin Akpoguma who is the starting Centre Back of Hoffenheim and Frank Onyeka of Mityjland. Rohr will certainly be looking for an opportunity to test the other newly invited players which include the likes of Alampasu, Yakubu or CSKA Moscow latest recruit, Chidera Ejuke.
During the Algeria clash a lot of players’ performance was very disappointing and therefore, Rohr will be looking to find ways to ensure he improve the performance of the entire team on all fronts.
Sportmata takes a look at how Rohr could effect these changes and get the needed results against Tunisia.
Here is a list of players the German tactician could use against Algeria.
1. Goal keeper: Maduka Okoye
Maduka Okoye was in fine form for Nigeria against Algeria and hence the young goal keeper is expected to retain his spot in the team ahead of the likes of Matthew Yakubu and Dele Alampasu.
2. Defenders: Omeruo and Akpoguma at Centre Back, Aina and Awaziem at Left back and Right back respectively
Omeruo will be expected to start ahead of Ajayi, Balogun and Ekong as the manager will be looking to give him a run in against the Tunisians. On the other hand Akpoguma who played the last 13minutes against Algeria will be looking to impress from the start in a role that is well suited to him as he was played out of position last time out.
Aina and Awaziem will be expected to start ahead of the impressive Zaidu Sanusi and Tyronne Ebuehi as Rohr will want to keep them fresh for their respective clubs. Aina will feature at left back while Awaziem starts as a right back as Jamilu Collins have not played a single game for SC Paderborn.
3. Midfielders: Mikel Agu and Frank Onyeka as defensive Midfielders while Iwobi operates as a Central Attacking Midfielder
The midfield will be made up of three men, as Nigeria will go with the traditional 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 depending on whether they are in possession or out of possession.
Mikel Agu who struggled to get a foot into the game against Algeria as he couldn’t read the game when he was substituted in will be hoping to impress when given a chance from the start at the base of the midfield.
Frank Onyeka who will be relishing the chance to impress following a poor first half outing 3 days ago, will start alongside Mikel Agu while Everton’s priced asset, Iwobi will play in an attacking midfield role.
4. Attack: Ejuke, Dessers and Musa to start.
In attack, Ejuke will start on his preferred left wing role, while Musa starts on the opposite flank. Dessers who will be making his debut will come in for Club Teammate, Paul Onuachu.
Tactics Explained
Nigeria will be looking to cause Tunisia’s backline all sort of problems with the direct runs of Ejuke, Ahmed Musa and the fast Cyriel Dessers. The pace of these front men will aid Nigeria to very fluid and will see Dessers popping up in several positions on the pitch. He could even swap positions with Musa depending on how the game pans out.
A double pivot midfield of Agu and Onyeka will ensure that Nigeria retains it’s defensive shape as both players will provide defensive cover for the defenders and the attacking Iwobi will feed the ball to the wingers and striker.
Prediction: Nigeria should be able to pickup an impressive win against Tunisia whom they beat in the Third place play off during the 2019 AFCON. Nonetheless withe the partnership of the defensive pairing not solid yet between Akpoguma and Omeruo, we expect Nigeria to concede.
Nigeria 3 – 1 Tunisia
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