Five things we learnt from the Mexico test

[wale1974]

Five things we learnt from the Mexico test
by Andrew Randa 06 March 2014, 14:40

Nigeria played her second straight draw with the El Tri of Mexico at the Georgia Dome in Atalanta, United States in a game that had a litany of chances and some great goalkeeping displays that contrived for the game to end in a goalless draw.

The Super Eagles had a decent outing and coach Stephen Keshi and his crew would have been able to pick some positives from the game while also looking at areas and aspects of the their play that needs to be fixed.

The 'Big Boss' gave four uncapped players their debut in the game. Michael Uchebo of Cercle Brugge started the game, while the trio of Leon Balogun, Ramon Azeez and Ezekiel Imoh.

Nigeria will hope to continue to use test games lined up for the team as they prepare for the World Cup as there are still issues that need to be fixed in the team's formation and playing personnel.

Supersport.com takes a look at lessons learnt from the Mexico game, dissects areas that were found wanting and also looking at options available for Stephen Keshi as he continues to tinker the team.

Sticks are sorted.

Except there is a monumental tragedy or the heavens fall, Nigerians can be rest assured the sticks are done and dusted.

The sticks, in this case being the goalkeeping position. Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide put up a fantastic showing against the Mexicans and their display will surely sit well with Keshi.

OSC Lille number one, Vincent Enyeama made a top draw save in the first half. His world class save off a Rafael Marquez header is testament to his growing reputation in France and Europe. The former Enyimba of Aba custodian punched and grabbed everything that was thrown at him to enforce his burgeoning status.

Ejide, who came in the second half did well when he was called upon. The Hapoel Beer Sheva goalkeeper stood in well for Enyeama, made a couple of decent saves and was excellent in the second half.

The third choice slot might just be a mere formality as it looks like the duo of Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide have the positions sewn up already.

Set piece malaise:

This point is a two way street. On the offensive front, Nigeria was quite poor with her set piece situations.This has to change. Set pieces have become an integral part of the game these days. Games are won and lost through this and Nigeria didn't us any of hers to great effect. Mikel, who is the designated set piece taker was too casual with his approach. On two occasions, he wasted good opportunities to set Nigeria up. The team has to work on this.

On the defensive front, we were shambolic at defending set pieces. It was quite evident the players didn't know if they were going for a 'man to man' marking or 'zonal marking'.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

We need to prepare well for set pieces, both on the offensive and defensive fronts. They just might be the different between three points and a loss.

K.I.S.M (Keep it simple-Mikel)

This writer first saw Mikel play as a lanky 13 year old on the sandy pitch of the Police Training fields of Jos, in 2001. The Chelsea midfielder was extremely creative and had a vision that bellied his tender years. Unfortunately, his progression didn't take same route as he transited into a holding midfielder.

Mikel doesn't have a defined role in the Super Eagles. At the Confederations Cup, he was in his elements as he played in the offensive midfield position and his goal against Uruguay justified him playing there.

Keshi's formation against the Mexicans didn't do him any favors, but the midfielder also didn't help the team with his dilly dallying on the ball and failing to release the runners in the team.

On numerous occasions, he slowed the transition from the defence to attack and held to the ball unnecessarily, and when he lost the ball, he didn't put in enough to regain possession thereby overworking Ogenyi Onazi who played just behind him. He needs to just keep it plain and simple.

Keshi needs to find a defined role for Mikel. He might just be the fulcrum the team needs between the defence and attack and I wont bat an eye lid if the creative responsibilities are given him, He is that good.

Eagles are rusty, match rusty.

Of all the eleven players that started the game. Only Efe Ambrose ,Vincent Enyeama and to some degree Emmanuel Emenike had a decent 89.2 % appearance ratio for their club sides and this showed eventually as the game got into the deep end. Let's hope this changes.

Elderson Echiejile, like most of the other players struggled to get their game going and fatigue set in in the second half as they could not sustain the tempo they started the game with as the Mexicans took control of the game. Enyeama was outstanding, and the reasons aren't far fetched.

The likes of Brown Ideye, John Ogu and Nnamdi Oduamadi, who weren't invited for this game, and a lot who started the games are also struggling to get into the groove with their club sides.

Victor Moses didn't help himself either as his decision making was extremely poor. His usually superb first touch deserted him on a number of occasions and he also failed to release the ball when he had a teammate in a better offensive position. This can be attributed to his lack of match time at his club side Liverpool.

The business end of this season is upon us and the hopefully they will get to feature before the season winds down. Fitness is everything.

The more the merrier.

Stephen Keshi has his hands full as he seeks to create a decent team for Nigerians.

Four new players were called up for the Mexico challenge, and he (Keshi) has said he will continue to try out new players to see if more grit can be added to the squad.

The more the merrier I dare say as competition for space will only mean more hard work and commitment. Leon Balogun looked assured at right back despite his few minutes on the pitch. Uchebo, Ezekiel and Azeez also showed glimpses of what they can do.

Add the tasty incentive of having IK Uche ( if he is recalled) Brown Ideye, Oduamadi, Sunday Mba, John Ogu, Solomon Kwambe,Joseph Yobo and a host of others to the mix. Surely Keshi has some selection headache on his capable hands.

June is a long time away in footballing terms. A lot will happen, a lot will change.

The friendly game against Scotland at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground on May 28, will give us more insight into Keshi's crystal ball.



http://www.supersport.com/football/supe ... exico_test

[wale1974]

A very good analysis...........nothing more to add

[Otitokoro]

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

[Super Eagle]

Useless analysis! Mikel slowed the game down? Did this dude even watch the game??

BS upon BS!

[wale1974]

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The guys was so on point and unbiased

[wale1974]

Useless analysis! Mikel slowed the game down? Did this dude even watch the game??

BS upon BS!

Go and Watch the game again, I'm a Mikel fan but he was doing too much yesterday.
U can watch the game again on ESPN 3

[patrick]

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

One of the reasons to have another tall midfielder to support Mikel, u need tall midfielder to curtail aerial balls, I told you guys.

[The YeyeMan]

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

One of the reasons to have another tall midfielder to support Mikel, u need tall midfielder to curtail aerial balls, I told you guys.

I don't think height in midfield is an issue Pat - I don't see why Keshi is so reluctant to add another bonafide central midfielder into the mix to play alongside Onazi and Mikel. It worked to good effect against Ethiopia (1st leg) when Nosa was introduced but it's not Keshi's Plan A. It's a shame he has decided not to give Haruna a chance before the WC. A really odd decision.

[Otitokoro]

Sorry, but I disagree.
Onazi marking Rafa during the corner kick was a tactical error on the part of the players and they adjusted for it during the course of the game.
We had more that enough 6ft + players to mark out their taller players during set pieces.

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

One of the reasons to have another tall midfielder to support Mikel, u need tall midfielder to curtail aerial balls, I told you guys.

[analyzer]

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

One of the reasons to have another tall midfielder to support Mikel, u need tall midfielder to curtail aerial balls, I told you guys.

haba patrick - the likes of Efe/uwa/KO/Oboabonna are not midgets.. In those 4 plus Mikel - 5 players above 6ft tall.. How many again do you need in defending set pieces.. We also forget Uchebo who is listed as 6' 4".. A quick search says Oboabona is the shortest of them at 6' 1" reported per wiki..
Marquez is listed as 6' 1". his CB partner last night is about 6ft too.. I can bet you there were more SE players 6ft and above than there were Mexican players..

IMHO, the team just did not know how to set up properly to defend those set pieces..
There was no efficient marking... Have 6 SE players above 6ft tall on the pitch and it was a 5' 8" Onazi they asked to man mark Marquez per the highlighted statement....
At the same time, I give Mexico kudos for their execution..
And this set piece issues also applies offensively..

[patrick]

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

One of the reasons to have another tall midfielder to support Mikel, u need tall midfielder to curtail aerial balls, I told you guys.

I don't think height in midfield is an issue Pat - I don't see why Keshi is so reluctant to add another bonafide central midfielder into the mix to play alongside Onazi and Mikel. It worked to good effect against Ethiopia (1st leg) when Nosa was introduced but it's not Keshi's Plan A. It's a shame he has decided not to give Haruna a chance before the WC. A really odd decision.

Yeyeman,

I know some clubs in Europe that put a metrics on a kind of midfielder they want especially a DM/CM. When Betis was looking for a DM, one of the qualities they put emphasis on is height 1.84M(cos of aerial balls) and this knocked out Ogude . I believe Reuben will come back and Ogude. It is unfortunate players like: Haruna, Lawal & Ekpo will have to wait till after world cup.

[patrick]

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

One of the reasons to have another tall midfielder to support Mikel, u need tall midfielder to curtail aerial balls, I told you guys.

haba patrick - the likes of Efe/uwa/KO/Oboabonna are not midgets.. In those 4 plus Mikel - 5 players above 6ft tall.. How many again do you need in defending set pieces.. We also forget Uchebo who is listed as 6' 4".. A quick search says Oboabona is the shortest of them at 6' 1" reported per wiki..
Marquez is listed as 6' 1". his CB partner last night is about 6ft too.. I can bet you there were more SE players 6ft and above than there were Mexican players..

IMHO, the team just did not know how to set up properly to defend those set pieces..
There was no efficient marking... Have 6 SE players above 6ft tall on the pitch and it was a 5' 8" Onazi they asked to man mark Marquez per the highlighted statement....
At the same time, I give Mexico kudos for their execution..
And this set piece issues also applies offensively..

Analyzer,

I agree they not midgets but my fear was borne out the fact that he interchanged position with Mikel in most of our games.

[KingLoku]

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

One of the reasons to have another tall midfielder to support Mikel, u need tall midfielder to curtail aerial balls, I told you guys.

I don't think height in midfield is an issue Pat - I don't see why Keshi is so reluctant to add another bonafide central midfielder into the mix to play alongside Onazi and Mikel. It worked to good effect against Ethiopia (1st leg) when Nosa was introduced but it's not Keshi's Plan A. It's a shame he has decided not to give Haruna a chance before the WC. A really odd decision.

Yeyeman,

I know some clubs in Europe that put a metrics on a kind of midfielder they want especially a DM/CM. When Betis was looking for a DM, one of the qualities they put emphasis on is height 1.84M(cos of aerial balls) and this knocked out Ogude . I believe Reuben will come back and Ogude. It is unfortunate players like: Haruna, Lawal & Ekpo will have to wait till after world cup.

patrick i no just buy ur logic ,, Wilson Oruma and J J okocha were Nigeria finest during their time , and they were not tall midfielders ..

[patrick]

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

One of the reasons to have another tall midfielder to support Mikel, u need tall midfielder to curtail aerial balls, I told you guys.

I don't think height in midfield is an issue Pat - I don't see why Keshi is so reluctant to add another bonafide central midfielder into the mix to play alongside Onazi and Mikel. It worked to good effect against Ethiopia (1st leg) when Nosa was introduced but it's not Keshi's Plan A. It's a shame he has decided not to give Haruna a chance before the WC. A really odd decision.

Yeyeman,

I know some clubs in Europe that put a metrics on a kind of midfielder they want especially a DM/CM. When Betis was looking for a DM, one of the qualities they put emphasis on is height 1.84M(cos of aerial balls) and this knocked out Ogude . I believe Reuben will come back and Ogude. It is unfortunate players like: Haruna, Lawal & Ekpo will have to wait till after world cup.

patrick i no just buy ur logic ,, Wilson Oruma and J J okocha were Nigeria finest during their time , and they were not tall midfielders ..

JJ Okocha and Wilson Oruma are purely attacking midfielders and defensively their functions are minimal. My take on this, we have to find a right blend for our midfield composition, Mikel-Onazi-Nosa or Mikel-Joel-Nosa, Mikel-Onazi-Lawal, Mikel-Azeez-Nosa and other permutations.

[JMObi]

Another thing we learnt from the Mexico and Italy games is you cannot press for 90 minutes. Either you press in the first half or you press in the second half. If you press in the first half and you do not score you will be hit in the second half.

Also, the high press is a very dangerous tactic. Defensively it leaves you exposed between the midfield and the backline and fast teams will take advantage of those gaps.

Nigeria should watch Brazil to see how its done. We need to learn how to transition from defence to attack quickly. You dont need 5 players to commit to a counter. You need just three. Those three should be ready to go and those three should know how to score.

[KingLoku]

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

One of the reasons to have another tall midfielder to support Mikel, u need tall midfielder to curtail aerial balls, I told you guys.

I don't think height in midfield is an issue Pat - I don't see why Keshi is so reluctant to add another bonafide central midfielder into the mix to play alongside Onazi and Mikel. It worked to good effect against Ethiopia (1st leg) when Nosa was introduced but it's not Keshi's Plan A. It's a shame he has decided not to give Haruna a chance before the WC. A really odd decision.

Yeyeman,

I know some clubs in Europe that put a metrics on a kind of midfielder they want especially a DM/CM. When Betis was looking for a DM, one of the qualities they put emphasis on is height 1.84M(cos of aerial balls) and this knocked out Ogude . I believe Reuben will come back and Ogude. It is unfortunate players like: Haruna, Lawal & Ekpo will have to wait till after world cup.

patrick i no just buy ur logic ,, Wilson Oruma and J J okocha were Nigeria finest during their time , and they were not tall midfielders ..

JJ Okocha and Wilson Oruma are purely attacking midfielders and defensively their functions are minimal. My take on this, we have to find a right blend for our midfield composition, Mikel-Onazi-Nosa or Mikel-Joel-Nosa, Mikel-Onazi-Lawal, Mikel-Azeez-Nosa and other permutations.

Seriously i really did not see much of any imput when it comes to Azeez ,, Nosa is a more of a defensive midfielder compare to Azeez. , i will rather slot Mikel , Onazi and Nosa ..

[Otitokoro]

I think having tall midfield players is grossly overated. One of the best midfield trios that I have had the fortune of watching were the 1982 team of Alain Giresse (5'4"), Jean Tigana (5'6") and Michel Platini (5'10"). Even when France had Patrick Viera (6'3"), he was complimented by Claude Makelele (5'7"), a spread similar to what we currently have with Mikel and Onazi.

Of all the different analysis of the game I have read so far, this happens to be the most on point of them all.

The Mexicans realized this quite early and Rafael Marquez header that superbly saved by Enyeama was possible because of the mismatch between the Mexican captain and Ogenyi Onazi who was to pick him up.

One of the reasons to have another tall midfielder to support Mikel, u need tall midfielder to curtail aerial balls, I told you guys.

I don't think height in midfield is an issue Pat - I don't see why Keshi is so reluctant to add another bonafide central midfielder into the mix to play alongside Onazi and Mikel. It worked to good effect against Ethiopia (1st leg) when Nosa was introduced but it's not Keshi's Plan A. It's a shame he has decided not to give Haruna a chance before the WC. A really odd decision.

Yeyeman,

I know some clubs in Europe that put a metrics on a kind of midfielder they want especially a DM/CM. When Betis was looking for a DM, one of the qualities they put emphasis on is height 1.84M(cos of aerial balls) and this knocked out Ogude . I believe Reuben will come back and Ogude. It is unfortunate players like: Haruna, Lawal & Ekpo will have to wait till after world cup.

[oga99]

Useless analysis! Mikel slowed the game down? Did this dude even watch the game??

BS upon BS!

Go and Watch the game again, I'm a Mikel fan but he was doing too much yesterday.
U can watch the game again on ESPN 3

Mikel was completely RUBBISH during the game. Not sure what game you watched. The writer was spot on, if I could slap through my TV e for don chop multiple slaps for holding on to the ball for no apparent reason. Wasting player runs and guys waiting for passes. I am a huge Mikel fan but he dropped the ball massively during the game

[maceo4]

Useless analysis! Mikel slowed the game down? Did this dude even watch the game??

BS upon BS!

Go and Watch the game again, I'm a Mikel fan but he was doing too much yesterday.
U can watch the game again on ESPN 3

Mikel was completely RUBBISH during the game. Not sure what game you watched. The writer was spot on, if I could slap through my TV e for don chop multiple slaps for holding on to the ball for no apparent reason. Wasting player runs and guys waiting for passes. I am a huge Mikel fan but he dropped the ball massively during the game

A few times Uchebo was annoyed by it, he was expecting a one-two and Mikel wouldn't give the ball back just waited till he was surrounded then started doing his WC shielding thing lol...

[wale1974]

Useless analysis! Mikel slowed the game down? Did this dude even watch the game??

BS upon BS!

Go and Watch the game again, I'm a Mikel fan but he was doing too much yesterday.
U can watch the game again on ESPN 3

Mikel was completely RUBBISH during the game. Not sure what game you watched. The writer was spot on, if I could slap through my TV e for don chop multiple slaps for holding on to the ball for no apparent reason. Wasting player runs and guys waiting for passes. I am a huge Mikel fan but he dropped the ball massively during the game

A few times Uchebo was annoyed by it, he was expecting a one-two and Mikel wouldn't give the ball back just waited till he was surrounded then started doing his WC shielding thing lol...

Yeah i saw that too, he just kept holding on to the ball and trying to dribble instead of a simple

[The YeyeMan]

Useless analysis! Mikel slowed the game down? Did this dude even watch the game??

BS upon BS!

Go and Watch the game again, I'm a Mikel fan but he was doing too much yesterday.
U can watch the game again on ESPN 3

Mikel was completely RUBBISH during the game. Not sure what game you watched. The writer was spot on, if I could slap through my TV e for don chop multiple slaps for holding on to the ball for no apparent reason. Wasting player runs and guys waiting for passes. I am a huge Mikel fan but he dropped the ball massively during the game

A few times Uchebo was annoyed by it, he was expecting a one-two and Mikel wouldn't give the ball back just waited till he was surrounded then started doing his WC shielding thing lol...

Yeah i saw that too, he just kept holding on to the ball and trying to dribble instead of a simple

Yep, frustrating at times.

[green4life]

What's the deal with Joel Obi? Could he be that third midfielder? Also, how far with Nosa? The last time he played for the SEs the improvement was noticeable. I think we need more of another mobile midfielder to complement Onazi & Mikel than a tall guy. I like to see Nosa back in the fold and hopefully Joel (tho not sure what shape he's in now).

[kolinzo]

Nigeria should continue working on set pieces, both offensively and defensively:

Everybody and their mama know that Nigeria is weak at set pieces, even Tahiti took advantage of this and scored their only goal ever on international stage.