Is the Super Eagles Midfield the Weakest Link of the Team?

A poll of Super Eagles fans reveals 80% of them are uncomfortable with the state of the team's midfield.

Under Finidi, the Super Eagles midfield came alive and delivered the goods with 2 great goals and 1 fabulous assist

Under Eguavoen, I felt the midfield also held firm

Apart from Osihmen and Lookman, the biggest stars for the Super Eagles in recent times have arguably been Dele-Bashiru, Onyedika and Onyeka - all midfielders.

So I am lost as to why a body of Super Eagles fans will posit that our midfield is hemorrhaging.

I think the Super Eagles midfield is in good-nick based on the calibre and class of resources at our disposal - some like Tom Dele-Bashiru, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka who were not invited for these assignments.

It is still early days for Coach Chelle but yesterday, his methods were non-descript.

It was hard to single out the focal point of the team, making it a slippery endeavour to try and appraise performance by department.

Let's take the midfield for instance, Coach Chelle willingly interweaved, merged, and blurred roles, responsibilities and movements to keep the opposition guessing and inject a sense of unpredictability.

Lookman will play as a centre attacking midfielder, pushing Iwobi to the left and leaving Moses Simon of all people as the support striker.

Just when you think Ndidi is the lone defensive midfielder, Chukwueze will appear from nowhere to lend a helping hand to defensive and counterattacking duties from whence he (Chukwueze) bagged himself a valuable assist.

The best chance that was created for Moses Simon to cut inside and force the goalkeeper to parry a bullet shot started deep in centre midfield from a pass by, em, Victor Osihmen.

How strange!

In fairness, the players will often return to their natural position in spells.

Arokodare will come in and just stroll around dangerous areas with grace and effortless ease as if his father owns the stadium.

It was all just a weird experience for me, but one which I thoroughly appreciated with the discipline, drive and determination at which these seasoned, hardened professionals went about their business.

Seeing calamity Calvin Bassey and his fellow uncle-in-calamity Ekong man the central defence filled me with dread and anxiety. Yet they were as solid as Olumo rock, which renewed my faith and admiration for both of them.

The last time I remember Aina playing left fullback was 2019 Afcon. Yet he took to the role like duck to water, further subverting my expectations.

I really don't know what Chelle is up to by playing players in perilous positions or out-of-position. But, my Lord it worked a treat yesterday!

Long may it continue!