Don’t be surprised to see Onazi and Musa starting today

[waka-man]

A lot has been made of Nigeria’s use of 3-5-1-1 to great effect and to Iwobi’s much deeper role allowing us to hold more possession and initiative attacks from deep.

Yet, there are enough clues in both Rohr and Mikel’s statements in recent days to suggest that Nigeria will go back to a tried and tested 4-2-3-1 with two defensive midfileders - Ndidi and one other - behind Mikel.

The idea would be to clog up the middle with ball winners and overwhelm opponents with power.

It’s a strategy Nigeria’s personnel are designed for with numberous options to sit alongside (and quite frankly behind) Ndidi:

Etebo gives you movement and ball handling
Ogu gives you power and ball handling
Joel Obi gives you running and break up play

But Onazi is the only pure destroyer and harrier. And with Ndidi often drawn (enticed?) further upfield, there remains a strong case for Onazi to be that partner.

And in recent days, the statements about power and energy, the expressed concerns about inexperience, the hints at improved fitness, all makes me wonder if we’ll line up as was the plane before the debacle that was the first half at Wembley:

Uzoho
Shehu Balogun (if fit) Ekong Idowu
Ndidi Onazi
Iwobi Mikel Moses
Ighalo

And while I’m at surprises, don’t be surprised to see Musa start ahead of Ighalo in an all action attacking formation, despite the failed first half experiment against Serbia. If Rohr really sees pace and the key to unlocking the Croats, this could happen.

[9jaMan]

A lot has been made of Nigeria’s use of 3-5-1-1 to great effect and to Iwobi’s much deeper role allowing us to hold more possession and initiative attacks from deep.

Yet, there are enough clues in both Rohr and Mikel’s statements in recent days to suggest that Nigeria will go back to a tried and tested 4-2-3-1 with two defensive midfileders - Ndidi and one other - behind Mikel.

The idea would be to clog up the middle with ball winners and overwhelm opponents with power.

It’s a strategy Nigeria’s personnel are designed for with numberous options to sit alongside (and quite frankly behind) Ndidi:

Etebo gives you movement and ball handling
Ogu gives you power and ball handling
Joel Obi gives you running and break up play

But Onazi is the only pure destroyer and harrier. And with Ndidi often drawn (enticed?) further upfield, there remains a strong case for Onazi to be that partner.

And in recent days, the statements about power and energy, the expressed concerns about inexperience, the hints at improved fitness, all makes me wonder if we’ll line up as was the plane before the debacle that was the first half at Wembley:

Uzoho
Shehu Balogun (if fit) Ekong Idowu
Ndidi Onazi
Iwobi Mikel Moses
Ighalo

And while I’m at surprises, don’t be surprised to see Musa start ahead of Ighalo in an all action attacking formation, despite the failed first half experiment against Serbia. If Rohr really sees pace and the key to unlocking the Croats, this could happen.

Please change the title to "Don't be surprised if Nigeria lose by 5 - 0 if onazi, shehu and Musa start".

[mystic]

Musa will not start ahead of Ighalo. That part is pure gibberish.

[return2k2]

Musa will not start ahead of Ighalo. That part is pure gibberish.

Ighalo is not a better striker than Musa.

[osita]

Musa will not start ahead of Ighalo. That part is pure gibberish.

Ighalo is not a better striker than Musa.

I will always prefer Kelechi as the striker or to play from the wing. However musa is a finisher compared to Igahlo.

[return2k2]

Musa will not start ahead of Ighalo. That part is pure gibberish.

Ighalo is not a better striker than Musa.

I will always prefer Kelechi as the striker or to play from the wing. However musa is a finisher compared to Igahlo.

Musa also has blazing speed. Fuckin cattle rearer!

[nanijoe]

I imagine Musa is going to play in this game at some point..

[kajifu]

Just win the game i dont care if its CE members like Robbby that are in Russia starting

[ohenhen1]

Ighalo is better than Musa, not even close.

[john12]

Ighalo is not a better CF than MUSA.

[joao]

Just win the game i dont care if its CE members like Robbby that are in Russia starting

Kpom!!!

[Cmoke]

Musa might start, but not at the expense of Ighalo.

Cmoke