Nigeria 2 Vs Iceland 0: 5 things we learnt from Super Eagles morale-boosting win

The Super Eagles of Nigeria saw of Iceland with two brilliant goals by Ahmed Musa on Friday.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria turned up in style to beat Iceland 2-0 in a Group D game played on Friday, June 22.

Two second-half goals by Ahmed Musa gave Nigeria their first win of 2018 FIFA World Cup and a chance of getting to the round of 16.

These are five things we learnt from the game.

1. Three-man defence best for Super Eagles

 

Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr first used the three-man defence system with the Super Eagles in November and it led to a 4-2 win over Argentina in a brilliant second-half display.

Befuddling, he never used this set-up until the second half of the 2-1 loss to England in one of the Super Eagles warm-up games ahead of the World Cup.

It should be noted that the three-man defence system has always worked with the Super Eagles, making it even more shocking that he completely stayed away from it in the 2-0 loss to Croatia.

Against Iceland, he sacrificed a forward and included Kenneth Omeruo in the defence to join the Oyinbo-wall and then what followed was Nigeria’s best display of 2018.

2. Kenneth Omeruo resurgence

 

When Omeruo signed for Chelsea in 2012, he was tipped to be the future of the Super Eagles. Under a year, he was on his way to being a legend, playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title win.

He played all the games for the Super Eagles at the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

But a lack of consistency caused by his nomadic club career-while still a Chelsea player, Omeruo has played for different clubs every season from 2012 to 2017) and a loss of form coupled with the emergence of the Oyibo Wall partnership of Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong mean he has not been a crucial player in the national team set-up.

But a rare start against Iceland showed why he remains one of Super Eagles best defenders. He dominated the air, distributed the ball well from the back and the numbers behind his performance of the night are ridiculous.

100% tackles won, 63 touches, 50 passes, six aerial duels won five clearances, three interceptions, two chances created, two fouls won and one assist.

3. Rohr listens

 

Gernot Rohr for the first time as Super Eagles boss was in the eye of the storm following the 2-0 loss to Croatia.

The main cause of criticism was the position of John Mikel Obi who offered nothing as a No 10 against Croatia.

Although he was bullish with his decision at pre-match press conferences, Rohr listened to the criticisms and made amends

Mikel played deeper, Odion Ighalo was dropped and  Victor Moses played as a right-wing back.

4. Musa has been underappreciated

 

Ahmed Musa has always been a loyal servant for the Super Eagles. Either on the pitch or on the bench, Musa has always been ready to do what it takes for national glory.

Musa has however never been highly rated by Nigerians who are very quick to pick out his flaws. While his final balls need massive improvement, Musa’s pace and potency in front of goal make him indispensable in the Super Eagles right now.

A brace to continue from where he stopped at 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Musa is now Nigeria’s highest goalscorer at the World Cup.

Put some respect on his name.

5. Strong midfield

 

Rohr yielding to criticism on Mikel best position has led the Super Eagles to have one of the best midfield at the World Cup.

The top tackling abilities of Wilfred Ndidi, the experience of Mikel Obi and the vitality of Oghenekaro Etebo proved to be top notch in the game against Iceland.

Aside Mikel Obi who wasn’t impressive against Croatia, Ndidi and Etebo played their part. But with Mikel sitting deeper, the midfield was almost perfect.

Although the midfield trio lacks the creativity to trouble defences, they have the right mix of energy and skills to help keep possession.