Football never seizes to surprise us. Once again it has struck its unpredictable nature and Nigerian fans where in almost shock when Africa's underdogs, the Wild Beast of Central African Republic defeated the "almighty" Super Eagles of Nigeria right on their home ground, Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos.
It was suppose to be a walk over match. Nigeria was already cruising with 6 points, after winning their last two matches against seemingly "stronger opponents... And the World cup qualifier game against CAR was to be just another walk over.
All the party table tables were set and the drinks chilling in the freezer at the Eko hotel Resort and Suits. All that Super Eagles players needed to do was just go out there and win the match by 4 or 5 - 0 and the party will begin.
But the Wild Beasts of CAR came to spoil the party and were determined to do so. With all the eleven players sitted back around the 20 yard box to fortify their defense line as well as choked every little space and loopholes. Indeed, the formation worked perfectly well
In preparing the Super Eagles to face the Wild Beasts of the Central African Republic for the first of their double-header duels on Thursday, Rohr must have known the CAR would play with a low defensive block formation, because of the respect for their Nigerian opponents and the gap in pedigree.
Thus, he cannot say he was surprised the CAR defended with at least nine players every time the Eagles progressed the ball into the final third and sought to use long balls over the defence to create counter attacks.
They got the only goal through that means, while the CAR goalkeeper Junior Ngali was not forced into any meaningful save for all of the 96 minutes. His defense line was well organized and fortified.
The first half saw the Eagles produce zero shots for the CAR goalkeeper to save. Basically, the Eagles were impotent for 90 minutes. The Nigerian side laboured to create any meaningful goal scoring opportunity throughout the encounter. Their dribble passes were always stalked within the 18 yard box and the CAR goalkeeper was well covered.
Victor Osimhen had to drop deep to get on the ball and link play as the duo of Frank Onyeka and Joe Aribo were largely ineffectual. Onyeka, who started in place of the injured Wilfred Ndidi preferred to play safe passes instead of attempting to break through the line with runs or triangle passes.
The goal conceded was a calamity because the Eagles had enough cover with Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong but somehow Karl Maxence Namnganda got the ball and had the easy job of slotting past Francis Uzoho, who had largely been inactive.
But do not let us get encumbered by this loss. The Eagles had more ball possession, 71%, 13 corner kicks and only 4 shots on targets suggested. Yet, the only one chance CAR got resulted to a goal and made all the difference..
Though all is not lost as the Eagles have a chance for quick redemption on Sunday when they play the return leg against the Wild Beasts at the Stade de la Réunification in Douala, Cameroon. The Wild beasts are likely to play the same formation since it paid off in Lagos.
The Big question is what will be Gernot Rohr's approach to break down the opponent's wall of defense in Douala
The Eagles still lead Group C with six points as the Cape Verde, Liberia, and the C.A.R continue to take points off themselves. If the coaching crew and the players come together, the Eagles should still make it out of the group but on the evidence of Thursday’s showing; the March 2022 final qualifiers may become a road too far.
