January 21, (THEWILL) – An emerging inability to ruthlessly convert goal-scoring opportunities has sparked concern over Nigeria’s capacity to claim a fourth Africa Cup of Nations trophy. Specifically, deficiencies in clinical finishing and penetration in the final third hindered the Super Eagles across opening Group A draws with Equatorial Guinea (1-1) and a subsequent solitary goal victory over hosts Ivory Coast (1-0).
Coach Jose Peseiro’s initial tactical approach against Equatorial Guinea sought to implement high pressing and swift vertical passing sequences to put Nigeria on the front foot. This produced some early promise, as left wingback Zaidu Sanusi squandered a prime 11th minute chance from Victor Osimhen’s cutback. Osimhen himself then dragged wide with time and space on the edge of the box soon after.
However, Peseiro’s chosen 4-1-4-1 system, which was planned for the midfield to sufficiently supply penetrative passes for the forward line, did not pan out as envisaged. This enabled Equatorial Guinea’s deep-lying double pivot to disrupt promising interplay between Frank Onyeka Iheanacho and the advanced midfielders of Moses Simon, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman. Consequently, Nigeria resorted to speculative efforts as attacking momentum kept fizzling out and the lack of cohesion began to frustrate the frontline.
Equatorial Guinea capitalised on Nigeria’s stunted build-up by grabbing a shock 36th minute lead through Ivan Salvador’s pile-driver. This scenario highlight concerns over the imbalance in Peseiro’s setup, with its lofty pressing approach leaving no shield against exposure on transitions. An immediate response was expected and the Super Eagles swiftly replied as Ademola Lookman’s pinpoint 38th minute cross was emphatically headed in by Osimhen. Lookman and substitute Ola Aina both tested outstanding Equatoguinean goalkeeper Jesus Owono in subsequent passages of play.
In the second period, despite Nigeria’s resurgence and greater share of possession, further clear openings were still squandered. Most glaringly, Osimhen spurned two more opportunities from close range in the final quarter hour that should have secured victory. Instead, flaws in clinical edge meant Nigeria failed to defeat the 94th ranked football nation, despite controlling territory and chances.
Shifting to a ultra-conservative game plan, Peseiro set his side up in a 3-4-2-1 shape for a crunch clash with tournament co-favorites and hosts Ivory Coast four days later. Inserting Samuel Chukwueze into the starting XI lineup for a link-up pairing with Lookman and supply Osimhen signalled the priority was not simply avoiding defeat but scoring as many goals as possible. This was necessary because the Ivorians had shown they were ready to perform in front of home fans, finishing their opening tie two unreplied goals to the good against Guinea Bisaau.
Yet, despite neither managing a shot on target themselves, Nigeria’s defensive strategy worked initially to stifle the Ivorians’ creativity. However, as the game wore on, Ivory Coast’s enterprising midfielder Frank Kessie increasingly stretched the overworked Ola Aina. This gradually pushed Nigeria deeper, allowing the Ivorians to construct threatening situations around the box. Yet, wayward finishing meant the deadlock endured late into the tense encounter.
The breakthrough finally came courtesy of captain William Troost-Ekong, who slotted home a 55th minute penalty controversially awarded for Osimhen’s tussle with an Ivorian defender in the box. While scrappy, it proved the decisive moment as Nigeria clung on to claim a vital 1-0 victory. Still, concerns remain over Peseiro’s tactics and his team’s capacity to produce cohesive attacking play. With a potential knockout tie against already knocked-out Guinea Bisaau looming, significant improvements converting chances will be vital if belief in Super Eagles’ title credentials is to be restored and qualification to the knockout stages guaranteed.
The openness and unpredictability of this expanded 24-team Africa Cup of Nations has been reiterated through a series of shock results and underdog successes in the early stages. Particularly, limited pre-tournament fancy Cape Verde ambushed four-time champions Ghana 2-1 to provide the competition’s biggest upset thus far.
Despite an encouraging start, Ghana were made to pay for failing to take full advantage of their early chances. Cape Verde deservedly led at halftime courtesy of Jamiro Monteiro’s calm finish. Even after Alexander Djiku headed in an equaliser from a set piece, the Atlantic archipelago minnows showed resilience to fight back again. Garry Rodrigues crushed Ghanaian hopes by prodding in a 91st minute winner to spark rapturous celebrations. The surprise result means Ghana’s early elimination prospects now appear extremely high ahead after drawing against giants Egypt in their next encounter.
Perennial nearly men Namibia also celebrated a first ever AFCON finals victory by edging past 2004 champions Tunisia 1-0. Winger Deon Hotto stooped to head home an 88th minute winner and reward the underdogs’ enterprise. The loss instantly cranks up pressure on Tunisia ahead of tricky clashes with Mali and South Africa.
Indeed, Nigeria were themselves arguably fortunate to avoid defeat against Equatorial Guinea. The Super Eagles wasted a raft of opportunities in an ultimately disappointing 1-1 stalemate. It highlighted how no team, however vaunted in reputation, can simply arrive and sweep opponents aside in this year’s hugely expanded and unpredictable tournament.
With Cape Verde showcasing giant killing credentials and Nigeria misfiring, the AFCON’s lesser heralded sides now have further grounds to harbour hopes of springing more upsets. As the group phase continues, fans can expect many more unexpected twists and turns before this captivating edition crowns a surprise champion on February 11. Pre-tournament favourites Egypt endured a testing start as they struggled to break down a stubborn Mozambique in their Group B opener. Despite the Pharaohs dominating the ball and deservedly leading through Mostafa Mohamed’s early strike, they were stunned as Mozambique turned the game on its head in the second half.
Witi and substitute Clesio Baque netted to put the sizable underdogs on the cusp of an immense scalp before Mohamed Salah coolly converted an injury time penalty to rescue a 2-2 draw. The stalemate still represents an early setback for new coach Rui Vitoria’s side, who face critical games with Ghana and Cape Verde next. In the group second tie, which Egypt drew again against Ghana, Salah was taken off injured and that will be worrying news for both the Pharaohs and Liverpool.
On the other hand, reigning champions Senegal issued an ominous statement of intent by comprehensively dispatching 10-man Gambia 3-0 in their Group C return. Sadio Mane laid on midfielder Pape Gueye to rifle them ahead early on, before late strikes by Lamine Camara sealed a comfortable opening day result. Up next is a mouthwatering clash with Cameroon that could determine who claims top spot.
Fellow pre-tournament favourites Morocco smoothly negotiated their opening test by easing past Tanzania 3-0 courtesy of goals from Romain Saiss, Azz-Eddine Ounahi and Youssef En Nesyri. Their efficient performance positions them strongly to advance as Group F winners ahead of games against Zambia and DR Congo.
After four straight goalless draws coming into the tournament, Algeria needed an 18th minute Baghdad Bounedjah goal to secure a 1-1 draw with Angola in Group D. Bounedjah clinically finished an early opening but Algeria failed to capitalise on their dominance. Angola grew as the game wore on and equalised through Job Mabululu’s 68th minute penalty.
As the AFCON group stage approaches its climax, familiar heavyweights face testing moments while less fancied sides harbour hopes of springing further surprises. For Nigeria, addressing glaring deficiencies in attack that undermine title aspirations is paramount. South Africa, which lost by two goals to Mali, Egypt, Ghana and Algeria must also rediscover cohesive rhythm swiftly.
Meanwhile, the likes of Cape Verde and Namibia have already showcased giant-killing credentials to confirm this expanded, unpredictable edition as truly up for grabs heading towards the February 11 final. Whichever nation handles the pressure cooker moments best now stands to etch their name into AFCON folklore.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
