After an unimpressive begin to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Tremendous Eagles have certified for the spherical of 16.
A 1-0 win in opposition to Guinea-Bissau of their ultimate Group A sealed their ticket to the following spherical.
After the hard-fought win, listed below are 5 issues we realized concerning the Eagles in opposition to Guinea-Bissau.
– The goalkeeping division of the Tremendous Eagles appears to be so as
Forward of the beginning of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, one space that precipitated concern for the Tremendous Eagles was the goalkeeping division.
However nearly as good as the brand new first selection thus far, Stanley Nwabali continues to impress.
It's now been back-to-back clear sheets for the Chippa United star, which can solely see him proceed to develop in confidence.
– The protection appears to be the strongest division
Just like the goalkeeping division, protection is one other space on the Tremendous Eagles that has many soccer followers involved.
Coming into the league, the Eagles had conceded in six consecutive video games.
However after three video games, the Tremendous Eagles' protection is likely one of the stingiest as they’ve solely conceded one purpose after three video games.
It’s clear that the teaching crew has put in a number of work, as the steadiness and safety are clear for all to see.
However the true take a look at for the protection will come within the knockout levels and hopefully they’ll maintain their very own.
Nigeria's striker #9 Victor Osimhen (L) fights for the ball with Guinea-Bissau's defender #22 Grandpa Sangante in the course of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 Group A soccer match between Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria on the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 22, 2024. (Picture by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
– Midfield remains to be a priority
If there may be one division that continues to trigger concern for the Tremendous Eagles, it’s the midfield. The earlier the technical crew finds an answer, the higher for the crew.
The Eagles have at all times been identified to parade extremely expert and efficient midfielders, however the identical can’t be stated about this present squad.
What the Eagles have are simply hard-working midfielders who’re technically missing.
If the Eagles nonetheless have ambitions of going far on this AFCON, that’s an space that also wants pressing consideration.
– Changing scoring alternatives stays an issue
The match in opposition to Guinea-Bissau as soon as once more uncovered the Tremendous Eagles' wastefulness.
Aside from Osimhen's purpose in opposition to Equatorial Guinea within the 1-1 draw, the Eagles have failed to attain from open play, counting on a penalty in opposition to Ivory Coast and an personal purpose within the win in opposition to Guinea-Bissau .
Now the crew strikes to the knockout spherical, the place there are not any second possibilities. This implies they need to attempt to convert their scoring alternatives once they come their manner.
Nigeria's defender #3 Zaidu Sanusi (R) fights for the ball with Guinea-Bissau's defender #5 Houboulang Mendes (L) in the course of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 Group A soccer match between Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria at Felix Houphouet- Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 22, 2024. (Picture by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
– Osimhen stays a scoring risk for the Tremendous Eagles
Identical to within the video games in opposition to Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast, Victor Osimhen as soon as once more confirmed that he’s nonetheless the largest risk to the Eagles when it comes to scoring capacity.
Osimhen had a hand within the three objectives scored by Jose Peseiro's males.
He acquired on the scoresheet in opposition to Equatorial Guinea-Bissau, making the error that gave the Eagles a penalty and forcing the Guinea-Bissau participant to divert Moses Simon's cross into his personal web attributable to his presence.
Nonetheless, it will be vital that different gamers commit themselves in that space to lighten the burden on the Napoli man.
