Most observers would have expected Nigeria to suffer defeat today in their group B matchup against Argentina. It was the Nigerian performance which was most deplorable however. The Nigeria team barely threatened and seemed content sitting back and absorbing pressure from the Argentina team. They crafted few chances on the counter but all were ultimately wasted due to a lacking final ball or wayward shooting.
The whole of the Nigeria team was pedestrian in their approach. The Super Eagles were not present in their tackles and failed to fight for the second ball. They relinquished midfield in their refusal to press Argentina and were tentative when going forward. Consequently Lars Lagerback's team fell behind early on, when Gabriel Heinze delivered the goal with a powerful diving header from Veron's corner in the 6th minute. The defending was poor during the set-play as the Argentine defender was granted a free header from the Nigerian defense. Nigeria looked like they were in for a long day as two more chances fell to Real Madrid striker, Gonzalo Higuain. The first came from good work down the right flank when the Messi squared a ball for his teammate, but which he failed to convert as his side-footed attempt missed the target. The other came as Higuain broke towards goal but could not fire past Nigerian keeper, Vincent Enyeama. It was going to be one of a string of saves from Enyeama who kept his team within a chance throughout the match. Indeed he twice denied Messi's curling efforts, with a particularly impressive fingertip save at the 37th minute mark. The first half ended with Argentina up and the more positive of the two teams. Nigeria had only managed one good attack when Obasi latched on to Victor Obinna's cross, but poor control led him to drag his left-footed shot wide of goal.
The second half resumed in much of the same manner that the first had ended. It was only after the introduction of attacking duo Obafemi Martins and Peter Odemwingie that Nigeria sparked into life. They enjoyed good chances on the counter, the best of which came at the 70th minute after Odemwingie pick-pocketed Veron and squared a ball at the edge of the box for the onrushing Taiwo, whose powerful low drive flew agonizingly wide of the post. Another opportunity presented itself at the 82nd minute when Yakubu dinked a cross in the box but the chance ultimately went begging as halftime substitute Uche failed to find the target. It was an equally frustrating afternoon for Messi as well however, who found himself unable to get the beating of Enyeama after being played through on goal numerous times.
It was an altogether disappointing performance from Nigeria. The Super Eagles will have to considerably up their game if they wish to qualify for the knockout phases of the competition. They were outplayed for large spells of the game and were certainly found out against some of Argentina's attacks. They offered Maradona's men far too much space and respect, and were ultimately made to pay for their pedestrian approach. Yakubu failed to really get in the game, only showing up in flashes. Obasi started off well but ultimately struggled as Gutierrez got the best of him. Martins and Odemwingie were the most positive antagonists and the main attacking threats for Nigeria. Given their performances, Lars Lagerback would certainly think to start them in the coming matches. The defense performed satisfactorily, although they struggled to contain the threat of Messi during large spells of the game. Indeed, if it had not been for the man-of-the-match performance of goalkeeper Enyeama, the score line could have been much worse for Nigeria.
In general, Nigeria failed to change the tempo of their play, both on and off the ball. They showed quality only in glimpses on the counter-attack, managing only one shot on goal and 35% of the possession throughout the match. for now we can only hope that former Sweden coach, Lars Lagerback, can learn from this and that the Super Eagles can fulfill the potential we know they possess.
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