To the credit of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Eagles were able to play three games which should serve as decent preparations for the next round of the World Cup qualifiers in September when Nigeria will face Rwanda and group leaders South Africa. Both games will define Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.

In this piece, I wish to highlight seven key points picked up from the recent Unity Cup tournament in the United Kingdom (where the Eagles emerged winners after beating West African bitter rivals Ghana and Jamaica) and the high profile international friendly against Russia in Moscow on June 6, which ended 1-1.

The Eagles have played five games under new coach, Eric Chelle, and have managed just one clean sheet which was in the first game against Rwanda in Kigali. The team conceded at least a goal in the four games that followed. This should worry the team handlers. It is true that you do not win a game by keeping clean sheets but by scoring goals. However, the fact is that the Eagles have scored in all the games they have played under Chelle and only managed to win two of those games in regulation time. So, in very simple terms, if they had managed to keep clean sheets in all the games, they would have won all five. Granted that things are not as simple as that. But the task now for the technical crew is to keep the team’s goalscoring run going and start a clean sheet streak.

From the performances at the Unity Cup and in Russia, I believe that Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare and Uche Christantus deserve more opportunities with the Eagles. Dessers’ mobility, pace and power were a problem for opposing defences. He also scores and creates goals too. Arokodare’s hold up play is impressive. He has a predatory instinct and an awesome aerial prowess that can be used to good effect with set pieces and corner kicks. Christantus has very strong bursts and runs from central and wide areas which can be difficult for defenders to stop. The truth is that Nigeria has an abundance of attacking talents and the coaches sure have a good ‘headache’ to deal with.

Although a late call up to the Unity Cup squad, young Benjamin Frederick has shown his potential. Quick, strong, calm and efficient, the young defender displayed an understanding of the game beyond his years. Without a doubt, he is relevant to the present set up even if as an understudy only.

In a related matter, it was good to see Semi Ajayi back in the squad after a long injury layoff. It was also heartwarming to see team captain William Troost Ekong display maturity and organisational ability in the defence.

It appears the national team handlers have carved out a new role for AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze. Known for playing from the wide areas of the pitch, it appears he is now being drafted to play in a more central midfield position where he is given the freedom to run at opposing players close to their box using his trickery, close control and dribbling skills. Chukwueze has used these attributes to good effect in some games but has also given away possession to this team’s hurt on some occasions. How well he adapts to this role could define how much success the team gets in creating goal scoring opportunities and even putting them away. Flashback – Chukwueze scored a great goal against Rwanda late last year in Uyo from that position. He also scored against Jamaica in the Unity Cup from that position. But guess what? Earlier in the same game, he had given away possession leading to a Jamaican goal. So if the coaches insist on keeping him in that role, they have to demand some consistency from him and fashion out some defensive responsibilities to go with it.

First choice goalkeeper, Stanley ‘Bobo’ Nwabali, has brought some stability to the Eagles’ goalkeeping department since joining the team in late 2023. His composure, commanding presence and agility have endeared him to the fans. He, however, needs to guard against complacency and over confidence, cut off loss of concentration, distractions as well as avoid silly mistakes.

The performance of second choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye against Russia filled the hearts of many close followers of the Eagles with joy. He was easily one of the best Eagles in that game. The team’s goalkeeping department can, at least, now boast of two tested, well groomed keepers. Nigeria will still need a couple more so that the battle for shirts can be fierce but healthy, keeping all of them on their toes.

Coach Chelle deserves praise for the opportunities extended to the home stars to fulfill their dreams of playing for the national team. It is not always easy to get the best out of the home stars at the first instance as they will need more opportunities and loads of exposure. While it may be tough for them to get these chances before the World Cup qualifiers in September, they should seize their moments with the CHAN tournament coming up in August and grab these chances with both hands and legs. An excellent showing at the CHAN would surely keep the door to the Eagles A team open for many of them.

Views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of TheCable.