Five KEY Lessons from the game v Brazil

Nigeria earned a 1-1 draw in a major international against Brazil in Singapore. Brazil dominated but Nigeria did deserve a draw for its effort and its play, never mind the possession statistic. It was a draw that Nigeria earned even without, arguably, three of its starters -- Omeruo, Etebo, and Musa/Kalu. Moreover, it was obvious Brazil was seeking to win this game after going winless in several games after becoming South American champion. There were five things that stuck out from this game if only that they indicate not just one-off occurrences but a pattern and against one of the world's best teams.

Francis Uzoho's Form
In his last three games for Nigeria, Francis Uzoho has excelled. In fact, he has made improvements from one to the next game. Against Brazil, he was clearly Nigeria's best player. He made several world class saves that any goalkeeper, any where in the world, would have been proud of. This is not to state that he is world class but his play yesterday was nothing less. His reflexes were astounding in stopping shots that were heading to the back of the net. It was a major downer to see him stretchered off.

Victor Osimhen
Victor has been in spectacular form for his club in France. In his second major start for Nigeria, he showed that form. His constant pressing of Brazil's defensive players and the danger he posed constantly in the box and out wide should not go unnoticed. His first touch is clearly better than both Ighalo and Iheanacho who had been valuable for Nigeria in the past. Then Victor's ability to strike the ball with little space and his command of the aerial space are quite impressive.

The Team -- Personnel
While one may argue whether this team is among Nigeria's best, it is impossible to argue against a fact -- it is the deepest team ever used by Nigeria. No one, I repeat "No one" is irreplaceable on this team. That had not always been the case with a Nigerian team. The team is deep at several positions. Against Brazil, there were three starters that were absent but they were hardly missed. Their replacements demonstrated competence all around. This is certainly the hallmark of this squad.

The Team -- Strategy
The team was setup very well, especially defensively. The fact that the team competently played compact ensuring scarcity of passing channels for Brazil was a major point. Brazil was forced to rely on crosses. This isn't usually Brazil's forte but that was what was available to them, especially in the opening half, and a defense should take that against a Brazilian team. While one points to the defense, it must be clear that it was not just the four players listed as defenders but the entire team's display when seeking to recover and defend.

Rohr's Substitution Awareness
Manager Gernot Rohr has been severally criticized over his slow substitution decisions, yesterday may have provided additional ammunition to the critics. The boys had put up a major effort pressing and closing down lanes that some of them were obviously tired much earlier than the decision to take them off. Examples were Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze. Both were well spent before Rohr decided to take them off. That tiredness affected the team's shape in several moments after half time. The fact that the game was a friendly raises even more questions since the coaches had the opportunity to make six substitutions. Rohr did not make the fifth and sixth substitutions until seconds to the end of the game and then in injury time.

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