The Grand opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup that was graced by pop star Jennifer Lopez, Latino rapper Pitbull and Brazil’s own Leitte was subsequently followed by an highly entertaining and controversial opening fixture that featured host nation (Brazil) and Croatia – despite the overwhelming atmosphere that was expected of an event of this magnitude, I just could not get over the calamity that has rocked our dear Super Eagles pre-tournament preparation.
Most of the talking point of Nigeria’s pre-tournament has been the coach’s players selection, the defensive frailties and the attacking impotency of the team amongst other.
Regarding the players selection, there were many unpopular selections made by coach Steven Keshi. Majority cried blue murder over the initial exclusion of CHAN most valuable player Ejike Uzoenyi - those claims, for now have been laid to rest as he’s been called up to replace first choice left-back Elderson Echiejile who was ruled out of the showpiece prior to the team’s defeat against the United States Men team.
WHY UZOENYI?
The recent inclusion of Ejike Uzoenyi has also raised eyebrows from tactical conscious minds - who perceived his inclusion simply as a nullification of the coach's initial error.
Critically examining the left-back position of the team, the inclusion of Uzoenyi a winger rather than a natural left-back or a make-shift left-back has now raised further questions begging for answers with respect to the vulnerability of the Super Eagles defence. Specifically, all of the team’s three tune-up fixtures, the performances of the backline of the team has been rather unconvincing, thus, conceding four avoidable goals in these matches.
With the team effectively left with Juwon Oshaniwa as the only recognized left-back, the sparingly used defender could be inundated by the enormous task left behind by first choice Echiejile as the prospect of facing world class players is imminent. Oshaniwa was expectedly (considering the number of run-out he’s had for the team) on a different wavelength as he churned out an under par performance against the Stars and Stripes – reliance on incompetence at Brazil looms.
IF NOT UZOENYI, THEN WHO?
I am pretty sure majority opinions on ex-Marseille left back Taye Taiwo (fomer Super Eagles first choice left-back) are now been strengthened by Keshi's constant overlook. His inclusion though, looks unfeasible.
However, someone i think fits the bill perfectly ahead of the Enugu Ranger star is Inter Milan midfielder Joel Obi. Initially, Obi was on the 30-man provisional list and even had an impressive run-out in midfield in the draw against Scotland. The versatile midfielder in his short career has had to play in various positions, most notably as a left wing back at parent club; Inter Milan and at Parma (loan) last season - impressive?
Handing a call back to Obi to fill in for Elchiejile and subsequently starting in his role at the mundial comes with great responsibility from our tactical astute coach, as he would be expected to tweak his formation. A 3-4-3 or 3-5-3 formation would be expected to accomodate Obi on the left wing of defence.
One would ask if the players can adapt? Yes, Victor Moses the lynchpin of the side rose to stardom with ex-manager Roberto Martinez playing him either as a winger or off the striker in these unpopular formations at Wigan. The squad as a whole had shown in time past their willingness to perform regardless of the tactics employed by the coach.
BUT WE'VE GOT UZOENYI!
With much emphasis laid on more defensive questions triggered by his inclusion, he his undoubtedly a great addition to the team's lethargic attack. Osaze Odemwingie who formerly usurped Ejike's spot according to coach Keshi - as Keshi stated that both have similar style of play but apparently had to settle for experience. So far, his (Osaze) overall input to the team can be likened to "an opera singer who after getting married lost her voice."
Needless to analyse Ejike's abilities as there was no other tourney to display it as the CHAN 2013, the team lacked that creativity he possesses and will inevitably be useful for the attacking department - as they've managed just 3 goals in three of their warm-up matches.
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