Fastgoal.com <World Cup 2018> - Group D - Nigeria Team Review

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Nigeria

FIFA World Ranking: 47
Qualifying Average Goals Per Match: 1.63
Qualifying Average Goals Against Per Match: 0.75
Qualifying Top Scorer: Victor Moses (3)
World Cup Best Performance: Last 16 (1994,1998 & 2014)

Group D Opponents: Argentina, Croatia and Iceland


The Manager: Gernot Rohr
The German coach has instilled some much-needed discipline both to the playing style and administration surrounding the squad since taking charge and seems to be fostering a real togetherness between the players which hasn’t always been the case for Africa’s biggest nation. Predominantly based in France in his club management career, Rohr likes his sides to play attacking football and has previously taken charge of the Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso national sides.


The Squad:
In terms of sheer athleticism and pace, there will be few sides in the tournament better than Nigeria.

The weakest position in the squad looks to be goalkeeper. Ikechukwu Ezenwa who plays at home in the Nigerian league, and Francis Uzoho who keeps goal for Spanish third division side Deportivo Fabril, are far from the most reliable options, but will nevertheless battle it out for the starting berth.

The defence likewise looks a little short both in terms of quality and experience. Brighton’s Leon Balogun and Bursaspor’s William Troost-Ekong looked good at times in qualifying but will likely be tested like never before here.

If the defensive side of the game looks to be a weakness, Nigeria undoubtedly do look strong in midfield and attack. Jon Obi Mikel and Wilfred Ndidi provide a solid platform allowing creative players such as Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses – who plays in an advanced roll for his country – to create the chances for the likes Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheancho and Ahmed Musa up front.


Star Man: Victor Moses
More associated with being a wing back these days, having made that position his own under Antonio Conté at Chelsea, Moses is let off the leash far more for the Super Eagles. Pacey and direct, and also now vastly experienced at the top level, Moses provides goals and assists and leads by example. When he plays well, Nigeria normally do well.


Outlook:
This group of players certainly possess plenty of talent and qualified in good style. They can also draw encouragement from their 4-2 victory over Argentina in a friendly back in November. On the downside the goalkeeping position looks to be serious concern. In games which may well prove to be tight, a single mistake can often prove the difference and we don’t trust any of the Nigeria keepers not to make one. Rohr’s record at international level isn’t particularly outstanding either, and whilst they are likely to be entertaining to watch at times, Nigeria may just come up short.


Group D Prediction: http://fastgoal.com/forum/index.php?topic=2468.0

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