EAGLES SO FAR – SUPER?

This article takes an incisive review on the Nigerian team at the World Cup, it features evaluation of performances from different perspectives.

It’s no longer news that the Super Eagles of Nigeria were the 1^st African team to qualify for the party in Brazil, what is very much in the breeze is the fact the fact that they backed that achievement up with being the 1^st African team to qualify for the second round, Algeria being second – a feat that has deserted the disgraced Cameroon, ineffective Golden Generation of Ivory Coast and the controversial Ghana. 

The World Cup has so far been full of surprises so as the Super Eagles campaign at the quadrennial tournament. So, let’s take an incisive review on the team’s outing so far at the tournament.

THE SURPRISE INCLUSIONS

Particularly, they’ve been the ones that have surprised many the most; you cannot stop biting back your previous thought and verdict on them. Match by match they’ve been improving their games.

The less fancied Michael Babatunde has been a handful for opposing sides whether playing through the middle or the flanks. The highlight of his outing being his darting run through the Argentine midfield, patient and well calculated pass which created Ahmed Musa and Nigeria's first goal against Argentina, We might have to make do without him after he was stricken on the arm by a trademark shot from Ogenyi Onazi in that encounter.

Juwon Oshaniwa has also played his heart out at the left back position. He's been massive running down the left wing defending or attacking and has made most forget about first choice Elderson Elchiejile. Though, his colleague Michael Uchebo might be popular for his look, his performance on the pitch so far has been the reverse.

FANS' FAVORITES

I wrote a piece on the inclusion of one of the fans' favorite Ejike Uzoenyi - disappointingly, my verdict has been subdued by the minutes and impact he's had so far at Brazil and in contrast Juwon Oshaniwa and Michael Babatunde have been impressive. He possibly could be a shoo-in now as Babatunde is out injured.

On the hand, controversial striker Osaze Odemwingie has taken his time to play himself into our hearts with his MOTM performance against Bosnia & Herzegovina. His trickery, finesse and shooting ability hasn't gone unnoticed at Brazil.

TEAM'S FULCRUM

Also, I previously wrote an article on the need for an alternate plan by coach Steven Keshi without the team's main players Mikel Obi & Victor Moses given their on-off activities at their respective clubs during the regular season - 3 months down the rail Mikel and Moses are underperforming and unfit respectively at the World Cup (my exact verdict on both).

While the coach has impressed in integrating other wide players into the team in absence of Moses, the reverse expectedly is Mikel's case.

Nigeria's No. 10 has failed to exert his influence on the team's game. The fact that other playmakers (Mba & Igiebor) were culled by coach leaves Mikel being essential, even if apparently inefficient. Surely, Mikel particularly, will have to shoulder more responsibility if Nigeria are to progress. Both players’ performances so far at the World Cup just sums up their uninspiring season.

TEAM LEADERS

Surprisingly, Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has impressed at the absence of first choice Godfrey Oboabona in the heart of defence alongside youngster Kenneth Omeruo. The ageing defender obviously had to experience a torrid time defending against Lionel Messi and Co. And has lead the team expertly.

The only blemish on vice-captain Vincent Enyeama performance was former four times World Best Player Lionel Messi's freekick (Argentina's 2nd goal in our 3-2 defeat), I had to be convinced by replays that every member of the Eagles defending wall left their headsets in the dressing room, though.

Prior to the match against Argentina, the lille shotstopper had gone 180 minutes without conceding a goal - a feat performed by him alone at Brazil. He's also had to pull countless of superb saves in all of the three group matches, the highlights Messi's freekick and all Angel Di Maria's efforts on goal.

In him we have a solid platform to build momentum in subsequent matches.

STANDOUT PERFORMERS

Leaving out the main actors would mean being partial.

Foremost, Kenneth Omeruo has shown he can't be tamed and subdued by World Class players. He's been very solid in spite of the absence partner Oboabona. Emmanel Emenike has also improved his performances after having to endure a frustrating evening against the Iranians. He's been a nightmare and a thorn in the flesh for defenders forcing his way through defences with his intimidating figure to set up teammates.

Onazi has also been involved in the team's success. Unfazed by his midfield partner (Mikel) obvious self imposed exile from the party, the 21- years old has taken the overwhelming task in his stride. Another impressive player so far is Ahmed Musa, he has been the subject of criticism coming into this tournament and the opening match against the Iranians but has confidently picked his old self up. He particularly, was a nightmare for Argentina experienced right back Pablo Zabaleta and by extension the whole Argentine team as he almost bagged a hattrick to secure a draw for Nigeria.

THE TECHNICAL CREW

The Big Boss responded his critics both on and off the pitch.

On the pitch - by gaining Nigeria's first 3 points at the World Cup in 16 years against Bosnia and subsequently almost mustering out a draw against South American powerhouse Argentina.

It's was his response off the pitch that baffles, expecting fans and ex-internationals to get behind and acknowledge his team after a disappointing and unadventurous draw against group underdogs Iran. He should learn to absorb criticisms (whether or not constructive) and reply in the best possible way, moreover, he manages and directs 23 players plus 170 million fans.

He's been fantastic so far and will need to be at his tactical and decision making best to progress to the next round.

Improvement not Super - one word with dual meaning for the Eagles at the World Cup. Improvement in terms of performances (considering preparations prior to the mundial), also, improvement in subsequent match(es).

Follow Tolulope Olasoji on twiiter -  @Tollexrism