Nigeria vs Niger: 1-0 Retrospective Review of Manu Garba's Golden Eaglets

For a team that had pitiful time to prepare for a tournament, Manu Garba’s boys did so well against a stubborn Niger team to record a hard-fought heart-warming win, giving them a realist hope of reaching the semi final.

Niger went all out to either win or at least gather a draw last night but the Golden Eaglets stayed resolute.

You cannot but be proud of the boys and hope they scale though the final group stage hurdle against Togo on Wednesday – a banana skin tie.

I sort of enjoyed the match against Niger even though Nigeria’s defense were asleep on their wheel earlier which almost gifted Niger a goal through miscommunication and lethargy that led to the ball eventually being gathered by our goalkeeper.

Seeing the team orchestrate a complex web of passing routines from the back to eventually culminate in goal scoring efforts severally was commendable. But end product in the way of effective crosses into the 18 yard box wasn’t always forthcoming.

Midfield maestro Simon Karshe Cletus continues to be the glue that holds the midfield together with calmness in his play beyond his years. His passes always held a key to unlock the opposition defense with a gallimaufry of gorgeous low and high passes. He rightly earned his second man of the match award.

The defense often collaborated well to douse the attacking flames of Niger with some aggressive interventions, crunching tackles and decent recoveries. But I think they need to curb their enthusiasm so as not to give away needless free kicks and penalties in future. The shape at the back at times also seemed wonky as they failed to move in sync which can lead to a defender carelessly leaving an opposition attacker on side and in acres of space to do damage in future games.

The runs of number 9 Rapha Adams down the flanks caught the eye and kept me fascinated and hooked; that guy is quick! Even though the full back had a healthy head-start, Rapha Adamwould catch up, overtake the defender, latch on to the pass to deliver his crosses but the end product itself was lacking – still, his speed, pace, hunger and a keen sense of positioning are assets. In fact, he located himself in the right place at the right time to head Nigeria to victory following the corner kick routine.

Goalkeeper Chinedu Levi Dominic was amazing with his picture-perfect dive to punch away a perfect free kick, keeping Nigeria in the game. He was like a hawk, looking to claw away all efforts directed his way with good anticipation and well executed goalkeeping manuovres.

The Golden Eaglets attempted a number of long range shots and their desire to press the issue in midfield allowed them to press home their tactical advantage. There overall application across the park was compelling in their determination not to give any grounds.

And if all else failed, the defense was on hand to mop up leading to Okorie Marvelous Chibuike bearing down at the opposition to halt their advance and incur maximum red card punishment. Even that Marvelous guy is quick as he covered a lot of grounds to catch up with the Nigerien defender before his interception was deemed worthy of the guillotine by the referee.

All in all, I am so proud of the players. They delivered a performance that was exciting, compelling and engrossing. When you consider they had to play like 30 minutes 1 man down against a feisty and fierce opposition, it makes their accomplishment all the more laudable.

Owing to how poorly they were prepared and how hastily they were assembled, these boys want the Fans to stand up and give them a round of applause and thus far they have put in the shift to earn it.

May they continue to improve as the tournament progresses.