Argentina Vs Nigeria: 6 Important Improvements Super Eagles Need To Go Far in Russia

By Niyi Busari Ahmed Musa inspired the Super Eagles to beat one of their group opponents Iceland 2-0 in the match day two of group D at Volgograd stadium. The heroic brace raised Nigeria hope of qualifying for the knock out stage and also makes him the third African highest goal scorers at the world cup. Asamoah Gyan of Ghana scored a total of six goals while Roger Milla have five goals. Super Eagles lost their first match against Croatia who also surprisingly beat Lionel Messi led Argentina to book a place at this year's world cup round of sixteen. Croatia are on top of the table while Super Eagles are in the second position with three points and a game to play next Tuesday. Nigeria must not lose their next game against Argentina on Tuesday as it is expected that Croatia will feature a weak team against Iceland. Iceland, Argentina and Nigeria all have a chance to qualify depending on the outcome of the two games. If Iceland and or Argentina (God forbid) win both teams will end up with 4 points each but if Nigeria comes out victorious against Argentina they are automatically qualify for the second round, irrespective of the Croatia and Iceland result. With this analysis, it means Nigeria destiny is in their hands and if they must get much needed win against Argentina then they must improve on all these five areas. Goalkeeper's Kick: Francis Uzoho has improve a lot and has suddenly won the heart and confidence of Nigerians. However, the 19 year old boy needs to improve on his kicks. He always look jittery whenever a back pass he given to him. He most times ended up playing the ball to the opponents. If Super Eagles must beat Argentina and go far in this tournament, he must improve in this lapses. Left Back Problem: In as much as credit must be given to coach Gernot Rohr for developing the team in just two years, Nigerians and football pundits are surprised that he could go to the world cup with a natural left foot defender other than Brian Idowu. Idowu's performance has been abysmal as he could not mark very well, cross or combine well with his team mates on the left flank. Worse still, he always turn around to the ball on his right foot thereby wasting a lot of time in the process. Gernot Rohr has quickly fix this before opponents capitalise on his weaknesses. Defenders reckless marking within 18 yard box: So far, so good, the oyinbo wall has done well but the world cup is a big stage where the most intelligent players show their talents. Most times, smart attackers play a fast one on the opposing players and referee and they will fall for it. How can you explain a situation where Super Eagles play two matches and conceded two penalties? Along with as many free kicks in a game. That means the defenders are not careful enough when marking their opponents. The South Americans, especially the Argentina often look for free kicks close to the 18 yards box or better still play pranks on defenders and get penalty. Super Eagles defenders must take not of this, and improve so as not to face the exit door in the first round of the tournament. Set Pieces: It is a known fact that one of the weaknesses of Super Eagles is the set pieces. Most of the goals conceded by the team are from the set pieces and unfortunately the Super Eagles do not use it to their advantage when awarded same. Till this moment, there is no set pieces specialist in the team. The fact that the two goals conceded by the Super Eagles at 2018 world cup says it all. The coaching crew must proffer solution to how the defense will handle opponents tactical plans whenever they are taking the kicks. Also, the Eagles attackers need to take advantage of free kicks and corners by converting them to goals. Less understanding in Opponents third half Another notable challenge Super Eagles is facing at the world cup is inability of the forwards to successfully spring passes that will beat opposing team's defense line that will eventually lead to goal. Though, the team improved on that in that respect in their last game but they need to do more as both goals scored so far can be attributed to individual brilliance of Ahmed Musa.