Four reasons why Nigeria lost to Germany yesterday

What Germany showed in the 2-0 win was that we (Africa in particular) still do not understand the real dynamics of football and team preparation. Our coaches think football is just about playing a certain formation that allows eleven players running around the pitch for 90 minutes. 

They fail to understand that football is like a political game or race. You need to plan ahead by looking for errors or loopholes to capitalize on to cause first class damage to your opponents. 

Horst Hrubesch (Germany's coach) knew that the Nigerian strength was attack and press so he planned and successfully negated these strengths. But how did he achieve it? Yesterday I Pointed out five things we can capitalize on to wreck havoc on the Germans.

They got an early goal

The only game that the Dream Team had gone behind before Wednesday’s loss to Germany was their third group game against Colombia, and they also lost 2-0.  So Hrubesch set out his players to get an goal, knowing that the Nigerians would be slow to respond. 

This worked based on the two major absentees. There was no Azubuike Okechukwu to pass the ball from defence into attack and there was no direct running from Oghenekaro Etebo.

They stopped Mikel From dictating play 

Hrubesch knew that the more time Mikel Obi had on the ball, the more influence he would have on the game so they set out to ensure that he did not have time on the ball.  Mikel was fouled nine times – the most by any of the players that started the match and not by the same player.

They used the one-two pass to great effect

They detected that the Nigerian team do not have great Chemistry and tactical coordination so they used their movement and tactical awareness to move the ball from one point to the other – making the players that should have been the offensive lynchpins to concentrate more on tracking back to help their team. One of such was the opening goal when Imoh Ezekiel switched off and his team was punished.

They fouled tactically not foolishly 

Anytime they saw that the Dream Team were about to get up a steam, they fouled and stopped the play, especially in the second half. They knew that they could not physically compete with the Nigerians so they ensured that their fouls were given away in the middle of the pitch. Check out Sven Bender’s foul on Mikel when there were acres of space in front of the Nigerian.

Many would conclude the loss of both Okechukwu and Etebo caused collateral damage to the team, which could be true but the other truth is that the Germans were tactically superior in all departments. And we still have a lot to learn!

We failed to use the wings

In my pre match post I said that the Germans are so good in the midfield that we cant take control in the midfield. I pointed out the major deficiency they had,which is a shaky right and left full backs.

If coach Siasia had instructed Aminu Umar and Imoh Ezekiel to force play from the wings, we would have seen numerous errors from them.

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Five things we must do to beat Germany tonight

By Chinedu laurel Okorodike (Aka Juanizy) 
Follow me on Twitter via @laureldpundit
and Instagram via @laureldpundit

Today's match between Nigeria and German will be a match between two high scoring side. Nigeria has pumped in 10 goals while Germany can boast of 19 goals 

Do not concede too many free kicks or corners

Against a ‘weak’ Denmark team, the Dream Team conceded eight corner kicks but even though the Germans have scored 19 goals [10 against Fiji], they have not scored any from a direct set piece. 

This does not mean that they would not start against Nigeria, because they are supposed to be technically suave and superior to their African opponents. The Germans are good in aerial balls, their players are physical and quite huge.  Also Max Meyer and Serge Gnabry (who has scored two free kick) can punish us at any time through free kicks

Play a double pivot in midfield

Azubuike Okechukwu is suspended for the semi-final and we have lost Oghenekaro Etebo to injury, so the advise to Siasia would be to play right back, Usman Mohammed in Azubuike’s place and ensure that Mikel stays more defensively-minded. The coaching crew should expect to have less time on the ball as it was against Denmark but they must ensure that there are no lone presses in midfield. When the team presses, all the players must press in unison, so as not to create gaps through which the Germans could exploit. 

If we fail to do this, the Bender Brothers (Especially Lars Bender can punish us).They have taken command of the German midfield all through their matches so far.  

Play with two central attackers

The Germans conceded five goals in their first two games and if not for late heroics from Serge Gnabry, they would not have made it into the second round. So, there is a weakness in the central defensive pairing of Niklas Suele and Matthias Ginter, who showed against Mexico and Korea that they do not enjoy playing against direct runners. Siasia should play Sadiq Umar and Aminu Umar with Imoh Ezekiel on the left flank to expose this weakness and to always have numbers in the box when the Nigerian team attacks.

Be hungry to win the ball after losing it and be Discipline without the ball

It is not only important that the Dream Team know what to do on the ball but more importantly that they do not daydream without the ball. Running off the ball to create space for another teammate is a distinct feature of the modern game, so whether in possession or out of possession, the players need to cover the miles. They must also ensure that they match the Germans for intensity throughout all 90 minutes and extra time if needed.

One thing that the U-23 have showed consistently in the four games played in Brazil is the propensity to drop off – to let their rhythm slacken or diminish. Against one of the super powers, Siasia has to ensure that the message to stay alert and concentrated resonates with all the players.

This are just pieces of advice for the technical team even though they definitely know more about managing the game than we do but as Nigerians, who want something to cheer, we could not stand aside and do nothing. We wish this team the best of luck.

Finally attack from the wing......

I don't think we can match these Germans in the midfield. So I suggest we attack from the wing. This is because they don't have good full backs. If Imoh Ezekiel and Aminu Umar can get their acts together, they can cause problems for the Germans via the wings, as we can boast of fast and pacy wingers who could pull beautiful crosses or square plays for Sadiq Umar to cause first class damage. 

Personally I have watched the full backs of the Germans that is led by Toljan and Sule they are not exceptional.We can over run them through the wings.

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Nigeria vs Germany: Can the Dream team determination crush the youthful German Machines tonight

By Chinedu laurel Okorodike (Aka Juanizy) 
Follow me on Twitter via @laureldpundit
and Instagram via @laureldpundit

When funding issues meant Nigeria’s men’s football team was stranded in Atlanta on the eve of the Olympics, even making it to its opening match appeared a tall order. The idea that the team could actually prosper in the event looked to have already been extinguish by the sort of administration woes that have hobbled the country’s progress on the football field for far too long. Yet, improbably, the Super Eagles now stand a win over Germany in Wednesday’s semifinals away from being guaranteed at least a silver medal.

It is quite the contrast. Off the field, the Nigerian team’s Olympics have been nothing short of a disaster. Its plane arrived in Manaus for its opening game against Japan only hours before kickoff, after the airline supposed to charter a flight from Atlanta failed to get paid by the country’s sports ministry.

Nigeria somehow won that game 5-4 and made its way through the group stage, but more problems arose ahead of its quarterfinal against Denmark when players refused to turn up for a training session after a pay dispute. Hearing of the financial woes, a Japanese plastic surgeon has even offered to pay each member of the squad $30,000 if they take home the gold medal.

Still, that promise did not prevent Nigeria from sending its two alternate players – Stanley Dimgba and Yusuf Mohammed – as well as three team officials home ahead of the semifinals in order to reduce costs. Yet, despite its country’s authorities seemingly doing everything possible to undermine its chances, Nigeria has continued to do the business on the pitch against far better prepared teams.

Twenty years after Nigeria’s greatest football moment, it is now eyeing further Olympic glory. Perhaps even the fact that the team’s plane was stranded in Atlanta of all places proved to be an omen for what has followed. It was, after all, the American city which hosted the 1996 Olympics and where Nigeria beat Brazil 4-3 in the semifinals in perhaps the greatest Olympic soccer match of recent times, before defeating Argentina in the final.

That side included a startling array of talent, including Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West and more. And it was that team that had a pivotal impact on the captain of the 2016 Olympic team, John Obi Mikel.

“Watching Nigeria beat Brazil in the semifinal and then Argentina in the final really inspired me,” the Chelsea midfielder told the London Evening Standard last month. “I was just kicking a football around for fun back then in the streets. But after seeing Nigeria win the gold medal, I changed.”

Mikel may have scored just one Premier League goal in 247 appearances, but he found the net as Nigeria beat Denmark 2-0 in the quarterfinals. And it is Mikel who is the undoubted star of a 2016 Olympic team that doesn’t have the star power of the 1996 version but has produced some thrilling play in Brazil.

But, in Germany, Nigeria will be going up against a team that has also provided plenty of entertainment. Germany has scored 19 goals in its four Olympic matches, a remarkable tally even if 10 of those did come against minnows Fiji.

Serge Gnabry, alone, is responsible for six of those and has been the outstanding player for Germany ever since coming off the bench in the team’s opening game to help salvage a draw against Mexico. And the 21-year-old was on target once again in the quarterfinals, opening the scoring as his side beat Portugal by a surprisingly emphatic 4-0 margin. 

Gnabry will hope that his form in the Olympics will earn him a first-team opportunity when he returns to his club, Arsenal. But before that he can endear himself to Arsenal supporters by getting once over Chelsea rival, Mikel.

Nigeria vs Germany: Key Facts

Nigeria will be facing a European team for the third time in this Olympics and they have defeated the previous two. They Super Eagles have also lost one of their four games in the competition, scored 8 and conceded 6.

Germany will be locking horns with an African side for the first time in the completion. In addition, the German are unbeaten in the competition and scored the the highest no of goals 19 goals in the tournament, with 14 coming from last two games.

Nigeria vs Germany: Head to Head

These two Nations will be facing each other for the first time in this competition. Germany and Nigeria national football team last met in an international friendly that took place in Koln.

However, Germany have had encounter with African sides in the football aspect of the Olympics. During their last appearance in Seoul 1988, the German met African side like Zambia, And Tunisia, and enjoyed a resounding victory over them.

On their way to the Semi-final of this on-going Olympics, Nigeria faced and defeated 2 European sides. In Addition, any Nigeria Olympic football team has never lost to an European side since the West African country scooped the gold medal in 1996.

Prediction

It promises to be a thrilling contest in Sao Paulo between the two most entertaining sides in the competition. Much could come down to which side is more clinical in front of goal.

This is going to be close game considering the quality in both sides, and their exploit on the way to the final.

Germany has only one shot off target out of their 20 shot goal in this game, netting 19 goals the highest in the competition so far. The German will however be facing a more tactical side, and a team that have failed to loss against any European side in any Olympics game.

In their last Olympic appearance (i.e. Beijing 2008), Nigeria faced an European in the same level of the competition, and produced a wide margin victory over the European side. Dream team V under the tutelage of Samson Siasia defeated Belgium with 4-1 score line and ease to the final of the 2008 edition of the Olympics.

In conclusion, both sides have produced great performances in Rio so far, and have had few historical advantages. This clash is going to produce the best football performance in Rio, and narrow line will separate the two sides. I however predict a win for the Nigerian side.

Predicted starting Eleven

Nigeria starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Daniel; Shehu, Troost-Ekong, Sincere, Amuzie; Okechukwu, Usman; Ezekiel, Obi Mikel, A. Umar; S. Umar

Germany starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Horn; Toljan, Ginter, Sule, Klostermann; S. Bender, L. Bender; Brandt, Meyer, Gnabry; Selke

Players to watch

Serge Gnabry

Germany’s Serge Gnabry is the leading goal scorer at the Olympics with six goals. He has scored in all four of Germany’s matches since he came on as a substitute in the team’s Olympic opener. 

Gnabry has been a consistent threat on the left side, cutting in to the middle of the field on his stronger right foot. He also has two goals from free kicks. 

This should be an exciting match with plenty of scoring chances for both sides.

Mikel Obi

Nigeria is led by captain John Obi Mikel. The Chelsea midfielder was selected as one of the team’s overage players. He plays behind Nigeria’s front line, which is loaded with talented players including Sadiq Umar, Imoh Ezekiel and Oghenekaro Etebo. 

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Mikel is a genius says Siasia

Barely five hours after arriving Manaus as a miracle. Siasia said this during the post match press conference at the Amazonia Stadium, Manaus.

“I just can’t describe what happened today. My boys defied science to win this game; what gave us this game was the mental toughness of the boys. For a team not to train for two days and put up this type of performance is a miracle. You know that when players are tired they tend to lose focus. That is why we conceded four goals. For now, all I can say is I just want to go and savour this victory with my players.”

On his plan for the next game, Coach Siasia said: “We just won a game, we can’t and won’t allow this victory get into our heads. Our target here is to win the gold and this is just the first step of us achieving that aim. No two games are the same, for me this hurdle is over, when I wake up tomorrow I will then think of my next game.”

Describing the Japanese side as a good side, Siasia added: “The team we defeated is a good side; I respect them for pushing my boys to the limit.”

Coach Siasia refused to speak on the issues that caused him and the team to arrive Manaus hours before the game, saying the team has put that behind them and are grateful to Delta Airlines for coming to the rescue of the team when they did.

Describing the nine -goal session as a spectacle, the 2008 Olympics silver –winning coach said: “I knew that towards the end of the game my boys were tired and barely managed to hang on. I will not blame any one of them for the goals we conceded. We have put this match behind us. I hope my team sustains this great form and even step up a gear in our subsequent matches.”

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We Are Suffering In America, I Have Not Been Paid For 5 Months - Coach Samson Siasia

Head coach of Nigeria’s U-23 team, Samson Siasia, has revealed that he is being owed salaries for five months, by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Siasia is currently in Atlanta, Georgia with his squad, as they continue to prepare for next month’s Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

“We are suffering in Atlanta. We have not received any money since we arrived this training camp. I have not been paid for the past five months,” Siasia said.

“We will not hold the country to ransom by threatening not to play our matches, but the government has to come to our rescue.

“I know that by the time the Olympics will be over, our monies will not be paid.”

The Dream Team VI are scheduled to fly to Brazil from USA on yesterday

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Siasia names Mikel and Akpeyi as over aged players

Nigeria Olympic team coach Samson Siasia has finally settled for Chelsea star Mikel Obi and south Africa-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi as his over-aged players for the Rio Olympics.

An official told AfricanFootball.com: “Siasia will be going to Rio with only two over-aged players – Mikel and Akpeyi.”

Other over-aged players who made the provisional 35-man squad were Turkey-based defender Godfrey Oboabona and Watford striker Odion Ighalo.

It was gathered from sources close to the Nigeria Football Federation that Mikel and Akpeyi from South African PSL side Chippa United made the final 18-man squad list submitted by Siasia to the football federation during the week.

Mikel has been keen on featuring in this year’s Olympic football tournament after he missed out on Beijing 2008.

Siasia’s team face local team Charlton Battery at 8pm local time in Atlanta, which is  1 am Nigerian time Saturday.

The match will be played at the Silverbacks Stadium in Atlanta.

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Samson Siasia disappointed with Alex Iwobi father for not keeping his promise

Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia has revealed he has been left disappointed after Alex Iwobi and his father failed to keep the promises they made to him over the Arsenal forward’s participation at the Rio Olympics.

Read Also: Mikel set for Olympics. But want to be captain

Arsenal have stopped Iwobi from the Olympics after initially agreeing to release him late for the summer games.

“Alex Iwobi is not coming. I tried to call his father, but he wasn’t picking my calls. He used to call me frequently when he wanted his son to play for the country, but now that we need his son for the Olympics football tournament, he is not picking my calls,” lamented Siasia.

“But there is no problem, Alex remains my boy, I love him like my own son, but I am just disappointed that he and his father couldn’t keep the promises they made to me.”

Incidentally, the 20-year-old Iwobi first trained with Siasia’s U23s before he changed his international allegiance from England to make his debut for the Super Eagles last year. 

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Suwon Invitational Tournament: Nigeria U-23 team secure win over Honduras

The Nigeria U-23 team, the Dream Team VI, exited the Suwon Invitational Tournament on a winning note, beating Honduras 3-1 on Monday.

Having endured back-to-back losses to hosts, South Korea and Denmark, Coach Samson Siasia’s side were desperate to save face and they did that on Monday even though they started from behind.

Alberth Elis opened scoring for Honduras in the 17th minute and it was already looking like another bad day in the office for the Nigeria U23s who in their last outing before Monday were hammered 6-2 by Denmark.

The Rio-bound team waited to the hour-mark before they could restore parity and it was captain Azubuike Okechukwu who got the equalizing goal.

The Nigeria team got in front in the 69th minute when Godwin Saviour scored from the spot after Ndifreke was fouled in the penalty box.

With the three minutes left on the clock the Dream Team VI ensured that there was no coming back for their opponents as they added one more goal to end the tie 3-1.

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Siasia - I have not picked any over aged player for Olympics

Coach Samson Siasia has dismissed claims that he has announced the three overage players that will play for the Nigeria U23 team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Reports had it that John Obi Mikel, Odion Ighalo and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi have been confirmed for the football event of the 2016 Olympics.

But Siasia has now dismissed the news as false, insisting he will name them at the appropriate time.

“I have not named my overage players for the Olympics yet,” Siasia told Soccer120.com in Port Harcourt.

“I don’t know where those who quoted me got theirs from. I’m taking my time before naming them because the best legs deserve to be picked." he said

The coach met with the duo of Mikel and Ighalo in London during a recent trip on the final of the Premier League where he was expected to have reached out to their clubs.

Nigeria have been zoned in Group B with Sweden, Japan and Colombia and he is upbeat about his chances of making a meaningful impact in Brazil.

He also disclosed that his side will be gunning for glory when the Suwon international tournament begins in South Korea.

“My boys are very prepared and are eager to make the country proud,” he concluded.

“Our target is to emerge as champions as that will boost our morale ahead of the Olympic Games.”

Nigeria begin their campaign against South Korea on June 2 before facing Denmark and Honduras at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

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