I suspect Chukwu might go for 4-3-3

[Ayo Akinfe]

Having watched the Eagles play with effectively three strikers all tournament, I suspect that Chukwu will be looking to do this against Cameroon on Sunday in a bid to keep the Lions penned back in their den.

He has had it constantly drummed into him over the last week that you need enforcers in midfield and he is gradually coming to terms with that realisation, hence the appearance of Ifeanyi Ekwueme and Garba Lawal over the last two games. Knowing that Chukwu cannot fathom playing with anything other than a back four, I suspect he will try and play 4-3-3.

If Aghahowa is out injured as we have been made to believe and cannot make the game, I suspect Chukwu will try playing 4--3-3 with Kanu as his point man. The line-up may end up looking a bit like this:


*************************Kanu************************

********Okocha************************Utaka***********

*************Lawal****************Ekong***************

*********************Olofinjana************************

***Udeze*******Okoronkwo**********Yobo*******Abbey***

***********************Enyeama***********************

If my suspicions are right, Abbey and Udeze will be asked to provide the width in the team when it is going forward and Lawal and Ekong will be asked to do man marking jobs on the Cameroonian wide men Geremi and Atouba.

Seyi Olofinjana will be asked to just sit in front of the back four and mop up. JJ and Utaka wil be asked to pick up all the pieces from the long balls to Kanu and run at the Cameroonian defence whenever they get the opportunity.

I am not saying that this would be my ideal formation but at least it looks logical. On paper it can work but the players will have to put in a pheneminal amount off work in midfield. Ekong and Lawal in particular, have to be prepared to run out wide and almost immediately be prepared to come back into the middle to help Seyi.

The formation also involves a lot of one touch give and go passing with a lot of mobility. Kanu's waiting for the ball to be passed straight to him cannot be tolerated in this kind of formation.

[sly4arsenal]

Ayo i don't think CCC would start Ekong. he would rather start Osaze to partner Kanu.

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

This line up would work only if you have Jag even Agali as the point man. Kanu cannot get to long balls. I like the idea dou.

[Shownoja]

Having watched the Eagles play with effectively three strikers all tournament, I suspect that Chukwu will be looking to do this against Cameroon on Sunday in a bid to keep the Lions penned back in their den.

He has had it constantly drummed into him over the last week that you need enforcers in midfield and he is gradually coming to terms with that realisation, hence the appearance of Ifeanyi Ekwueme and Garba Lawal over the last two games. Knowing that Chukwu cannot fathom playing with anything other than a back four, I suspect he will try and play 4-3-3.

If Aghahowa is out injured as we have been made to believe and cannot make the game, I suspect Chukwu will try playing 4--3-3 with Kanu as his point man. The line-up may end up looking a bit like this:


*************************Kanu************************

********Okocha************************Utaka***********

*************Lawal****************Ekong***************

*********************Olofinjana************************

***Udeze*******Okoronkwo**********Yobo*******Abbey***

***********************Enyeama***********************

If my suspicions are right, Abbey and Udeze will be asked to provide the width in the team when it is going forward and Lawal and Ekong will be asked to do man marking jobs on the Cameroonian wide men Geremi and Atouba.

Seyi Olofinjana will be asked to just sit in front of the back four and mop up. JJ and Utaka wil be asked to pick up all the pieces from the long balls to Kanu and run at the Cameroonian defence whenever they get the opportunity.

I am not saying that this would be my ideal formation but at least it looks logical. On paper it can work but the players will have to put in a pheneminal amount off work in midfield. Ekong and Lawal in particular, have to be prepared to run out wide and almost immediately be prepared to come back into the middle to help Seyi.

The formation also involves a lot of one touch give and go passing with a lot of mobility. Kanu's waiting for the ball to be passed straight to him cannot be tolerated in this kind of formation.

More lies again. No surprise there now is there. The reason Ekwueme and Lawal played was because we had the disciplinary problem involving Baba and Udeze's suspension hadn't ended.

You really need to stop all this nonesense about CCC been "told" what to do. By whom may I ask. Certainly not by a pot bellied, bespecled commodities journalist attempting to parade as a technically gifted football guru.

Certainly not.

[Robbynice]

Ayo Akinfe, I think CCC will opt for Osaze before starting Ekong in a Match of this magnitute. I believe the line up for this match will look more like the one used against Benin with the exception of JAG.

[waka-man]

Ayo, you seem to find it really hard to read CCC. He has set down quite a few markers already as the guys have pointed out.

Another thing CCC is not going to mess with is the central partnership of Okocha in front of Seyi. If Jag is injured, it'll be Osaze or Ikedia coming in:


*****************Kanu***************Utaka***********
*************Lawal********Okocha********Osaze***************
*********************Olofinjana************************
***Udeze*******Okoronkwo**********Yobo*******Abbey***
***********************Enyeama***********************

If he is really worried about being overrun in the midfield, one of Utaka or Kanu will be drop into a four behind a striker to make up the numbers in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

Most importantly, don't get carried away with formations with this Eagles team. All of the four most attacking players will swap continuously, which is a main reason why, again, I don't see Ikedia, who is thought of more as a specialist winger, starting. He'll be on later in the game to run at tired defender.

[Ayo Akinfe]

Ayo Akinfe, I think CCC will opt for Osaze before starting Ekong in a Match of this magnitute. I believe the line up for this match will look more like the one used against Benin with the exception of JAG.

Please tell us how you think the team will look then. It is not just about picking players, it is about organising them into a coherent shape that provides the team with structure and enables thjem to play in a particular way.

I look forward to reading your line-up Robbynice. Mine provides details of everybody's role. I would like a similar explanation from you please.

[waka-man]

Ayo, look at my post above to see how CCC would play Osaze before Ekong. Remember, we are talking about what CCC is likely to do, not what our individual predilictions are.

[Shownoja]

Ayo, you seem to find it really hard to read CCC. He has set down quite a few markers already as the guys have pointed out.

Another thing CCC is not going to mess with is the central partnership of Okocha in front of Seyi. If Jag is injured, it'll be Osaze or Ikedia coming in:


*****************Kanu***************Utaka***********
*************Lawal********Okocha********Osaze***************
*********************Olofinjana************************
***Udeze*******Okoronkwo**********Yobo*******Abbey***
***********************Enyeama***********************

If he is really worried about being overrun in the midfield, one of Utaka or Kanu will be drop into a four behind a striker to make up the numbers in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

Most importantly, don't get carried away with formations with this Eagles team. All of the four most attacking players will swap continuously, which is a main reason why, again, I don't see Ikedia, who is thought of more as a specialist winger, starting. He'll be on later in the game to run at tired defender.

Going by CCC's past, I think this is more likely if JAG does not make it. One thing though, the article that questioned JAG's fitness only said he might not make it, not he would not make it.

Will you still keep this team if JAG is fit? I will drop Kanu for JAG, though I know CCC will never do that.

[Ayo Akinfe]

Ayo, look at my post above to see how CCC would play Osaze before Ekong. Remember, we are talking about what CCC is likely to do, not what our individual predilictions are.

I take your point about what Chukwu is likely to do but I know that there is a lot of pressure on him to shore up the midfield. He will be told for instance, that Cameroon are likely to use Tchato and Atouba on the left and there is a need to shore up that side of the pitch.

How do you think he will explain using Osaze. Will he say that he believes Osaze is capable of tracking back and tackling effectively. Everyone knows that Osaze is physically, the weakest player in camp.

I cannot see Chukwu risking Osaze against the most physical team in the tournament. He will get pushed off the ball at every instance.

[mlkama]

Ayo,

It is very unlike Nigeria to play with 3 DMs effectively - Seye, Lawal and Ekong. I see some other offensive minded player coming in for JAG, if he is injured.

[waka-man]

Shownaija, Like you said, CCC will never drop Kanu.
Tomorrow is a big game. Kanu's experience might come in handly. And we know the Cameroonians dread him. I'd still give him his 60 minutes, but if its not happening, 30 minutes, bring on Osaze.

[Ayo Akinfe]

Ayo,

It is very unlike Nigeria to play with 3 DMs effectively - Seye, Lawal and Ekong. I see some other offensive minded player coming in for JAG, if he is injured.

Why do you doubt this? Remember this is Cameroon and Chukwu knows that he needs his physically strongest side for this one.

Osaze is a great player but if you watch the game against Angola in Benin City, you will noticed that he was probably the star of the show but he got roughed up very badly. The Angolans shoved him around all day, constantly pushed him off the ball and bruised him with robust tackles.

I would not want to put the poor boy up against that Atouba. That Timotea is a right bruiser. Just look at the size of him and how fierce he is.

[mlkama]

Do they really dread Kanu? Hmmmm....

Shownaija, Like you said, CCC will never drop Kanu.
Tomorrow is a big game. Kanu's experience might come in handly. And we know the Cameroonians dread him. I'd still give him his 60 minutes, but if its not happening, 30 minutes, bring on Osaze.

[waka-man]

Ayo, like mlkama says, we're not going to play 3 DM's. I've actually not got a problem with that.

I expect us to play high up the field. Their three centre halves will be put under a lot fo pressure once they get the ball. That will force them to try and by pass their midfield - our biggest strategic objective. That is more a function of pace than strength.

With a bank of 5 in front of a bank of four, we'll have to close down space.

[Ayo Akinfe]

Ayo, like mlkama says, we're not going to play 3 DM's. I've actually not got a problem with that.

I expect us to play high up the field. Their three centre halves will be put under a lot fo pressure once they get the ball. That will force them to try and by pass their midfield - our biggest strategic objective. That is more a function of pace than strength.

With a bank of 5 in front of a bank of four, we'll have to close down space.

Cameroon's strategy will be to sit back, not allow Utaka to get in behind them and then try and hit Nigeria on the counter attack, using Eto'os pace. The midfield has to be structured to allow the Lions come out a bit, so some space can be created inbetween the back four and Kameni.

Utaka is the key man in this game and getting him behind the Cameroonian defence has got to be the primary objective.

[omotori]

Cameroon's strategy will be to sit back, not allow Utaka to get in behind them and then try and hit Nigeria on the counter attack, using Eto'os pace.

correct Ayo. this is exactly what Cameroons will do. and we need to try to spread the field & pressure them.

I just do not see how we can beat them by playing Kanu.

Kanu may show flashes of brilliance. But through the course of a game, we give up so much by playing Kanu that we might as well be one man short - especially playing against Cameroons.

If Kanu plays more than a half, the Cameroons have the edge.

[Coach]

Nice 2 c Nigerians discussing Nigerian Football. I've had a browse through this forum and i've been impressed with the innovation you guys have afforded.

Personally, i think Nigeria got it all wrong from the start of the tournament. Their choice of personnel, the flexibility of their call-up deadline and most importanlty, their tactics. This issues will inevitably cause their downfall.

I cant believe that as an footballing, their governing body couldn't impose any authority over their call-ups and the deadlines for players joining up with the squad.

How can the captain of your side, be absent from majority of your training sessions prior to the first group match?

How is a team supposed to unite and develop an understanding of their spatial and positional roles, when 3 or 4 of the more reputable players, have yet to arrive?

As always an air of disinterest, disharmony and disorganization surrounded Nigeria before this tournament commenced.

The tournament began with a much-deserved defeat. They were out-thought, out-played and over-worked by a mediocre Morocco side, lacking the big-name, big wage earners that Nigeria have in abundance

Is the victory over S.Africa compensation for the poor previous performance? Dont be flattered by the score line, its seems as though everybody feels they've done their part since the win over SA. Now the players can crawl back into their shells of inefficiency and inconsistency, but that doesn't matter because they beat South Africa.

Did u see the shambolic performance against Benin, the laxadasical attitude of Nwankwo Kanu, the indecision amongst the defence, the long hopeful balls, sailing far wide of their targets- But i guess its all good because they beat South Africa.

Nigeria need to wake up, they have been the sleeping giants of african football for decades. They were supposedly, world champions in waiting, well as long as their squad of multi-millionaires continues to be riddled with greed and debate over win bonuses, they will remain sleeping, whilst the likes of Senegal and Cameroon pass them by if they haven't already.

[Shownoja]

Welcome bro. Somehow I suspect you are not been entirelyobjective. While you raise some valid point, you destroy your arguments by mentioning non existent things like debate over bonuses which thank God has not reared its ugly head here.

I suspect you have an angle and it will be interesting over the course of your enjoyment of this forum what that agenda is.

Enjoy your stay with us.

[Coach]

in continuaton to my previous post, the tactical short-coming of Nigeria, is in their decision to play 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, ultimately with a back 4.

Despite its popularity throughout the footballing world, the back four is one of the hardest defensive systems to play in and master. It requires a footballing brain, great anticipation and decisiveness. Within the back four is player is aware of, and both comfortable with their duties. Experience is a prerequisite, when compiling a back four. Players must have knowledge of playing at a high level against high quality opponents. Ultimatey, i dont think the likes of George Abbey, Isaac Okoronkwo, Garba Lawal and so on, should give any manager the confidence to play with a back four.

As Morocco demonstrated against us, the back 3 with wingbacks is better suited for the rawness and prematurity of African football. I was suprised by Chukwu's insistance on the 4-4-2/4-3-3, I strongly believe that the 5-2-3 system utilised by South Korea, Turkey and Mexico in world cup 2002, would serve better.

....................Eniy................

.......Okor.......Yobo.......Udezie

Abbey.....Olofinjana.................Babayaro

....................Lawal ? ..........

Ikedia..............................Okocha ?

..................Aghahowa................


As was implented by Guus Hiddink , a hardworking ethos would be the foundation of this strategy.

[Bombastic]

As always an air of disinterest, disharmony and disorganization surrounded Nigeria before this tournament commenced.


Is the victory over S.Africa compensation for the poor previous performance? Dont be flattered by the score line, its seems as though everybody feels they've done their part since the win over SA. Now the players can crawl back into their shells of inefficiency and inconsistency, but that doesn't matter because they beat South Africa.

Did u see the shambolic performance against Benin, the laxadasical attitude of Nwankwo Kanu, the indecision amongst the defence, the long hopeful balls, sailing far wide of their targets- But i guess its all good because they beat South Africa.

This, my friend, is the problem. You must be a surgeon with the way you went to the heart of the matter. It is hardly the selection that is wrong. No! It is the fact that the Eagles, to use your beautiful phrase, "crawl[ed] back in to their shells of inefficiency and inconsistency", thus the "long hopeful balls" against Benin. Attitude is the biggest problem of the Eagles. I bet that few of them will mourn if we lose against Cameroon. Their hearts are elsewhere. God help us tomorrow.

[Blakes]

If we are talking about what CCC is likely to do and not what we want him t o do then I suspect it will be the same old formation..i dont suspect CCC will make any drastic changes..i think it will look something like this

..........................Kanu....Osaze................

Lawal........Olofinjana.....okocha.............Utaka

Udeze.......Okoronkwo.........Yobo............Abbey

..............................Enyeama..................................


the guy will start Osaze if JAg is really injured ..if not then just replace Osaze with JAG...the man is going to keep it simple...has he used anything other than 4-4-2 for any match?..if he hasn't, then i see no reason why he should do it now in such an important match...we always try to predict what the man will do ...but it usually ends up being the same boring formation...anyone who thinks kanu will not start must be dreaming..i'll be really reallly really suprised if kanu does not start...infact ill be shocked...not because kanu deserves a starting place but because C3 does not have the guts to bench him..

[mastermind]

this will end in 0-2 loss. ikedia or osaze will start. lawal and olofin is enough in the midfield. the truth is cameroon will score goals, so we gatto make sure we have people that can score goals on the pitch for us to win.