The Super Eagles of Nigeria grind out a 1-0 win in a friendly game against Poland on Friday, March 23.
Victor Moses netted the game’s only goal from the penalty spot as Robert Lewandowski and his Polish teammates were frustrated by the Super Eagles.
These are five things we learnt from the game.
1. Mikel Obi was sorely missed
If anyone needed a reminder on what Mikel John Obi brought to the Super Eagles, this was the perfect game. Without their captain, the Super Eagles midfield was without form.
His composure and calmness were missing as the Super Eagles failed to take control of the game. The transition from defence to attack was non-existent some Mikel has done so well for them in the past.
Joel Obi was hard working in midfield but he didn’t have the composure to retain possession while Kelechi Iheanacho who played as the team’s link between the middle and forwards was too close to goal to dictate play.
2. The Super Eagles can be physical
One of the most common stereotypes in football is that all African teams are physical although in recent times it has not always been so with the Super Eagles who rather prefer to play with the ball on the ground.
But against a very tough Polish team, the Super Eagles showed that they were not pushovers. They put in tackles and went for balls in the air.
3. Shehu Abdullahi is solid
Though not a right-back by trade, Abdullahi has played in the right side of the Super Eagles defence under Gernot Rohr for a while.
Even with the emergence of Tyronne Ebuehi and Ola Aina, Rohr has stuck with the Bursaspor star.
Against Poland, he justified the coach’s decision again as he was impressive. He was strong in tackles, track the oppositions’ runs into the box and was generally impressive.
4. Oyinbo Wall impenetrable again
Against an elite opposition in Lewandowski, the Super Eagles central defence pairing of Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong was impressive again.
Although Lewandowski troubled them, running free from their high line on a couple of occasions, the two defenders combined well to nullify the threat of the Bayern Munich star.
While Balogun kept Lewandowski in check on the air, Troost-Ekong was making sure the lethal striker wasn’t getting much time on the ball.
Troost-Ekong, however, was more impressive as Balogun was caught out of position a few times.
5. Moses is still Super Eagles most dangerous player
Having a poor season at Chelsea and without much confidence, Victor Moses still managed to be Super Eagles match winner. It didn’t come easily for him as he struggled to make an impact in the game early one.
It seemed it was going to be one of those days he has had several times at Chelsea this season, but he tried and tried until he got the penalty from which he scored from.
Although many would argue that he dived, Moses was still Super Eagles most dangerous and adventurous player.
