Nigeria were lucky to escape. Don't believe that Nigeria's quality meant they were always going to go through. Ethiopia could not take their plethora of chances, and Nigeria scored when it counted. I applaud Keshi for getting the team to dig deep and GET THE RESULT. BUT, he must really learn to make his team far more malleable and be able to ADJUST to the varying scenarios that occur within a football match.
I get it about the altitude and what that does for you physically. Then thereofore, your team has no BUSINESS being open and being forced to run around so much. Keshi should have put out a compact team, that tried to conserve energy. The best way to conserve energy as those Spanish have shown is by KEEPING THE BALL. If you chase the ball, you get tired quicker. But if you hold onto it, then you can dictate the pace of it. I just did not like how open the team were and how much SPACE they gave Ethiopia. Altitude or not...that should never happen.
I surely hope Keshi learns from this and can instill a better professional manner about the team. There just seemed to be an air of conservatism about the team. There was a lack of urgency. This falls on the coach and Keshi has to know that this team can improve. Yes, they are African champions but they are far from perfect. There are a lot of young heads here, and Keshi has to play the father figure in guiding them in the right manner.
In future matches and especially in the friendly with Italy, I want to see Keshi try things. There has to be various alterations to the team, to keep them fresh and exciting. Too much of one thing leads to it being stale and your opponents finding you out. But, there were still moments in the match that were good. The ability to create around the box with Musa being very involved with Emenike was pleasing. There just need to be calmer heads in key situations like the chance Oduamadi had.
Keshi is a very proud man which I LOVE. Being the first Nigerian to lead the nation to a major trophy speaks volumes of his talent. But even the greatest minds know when to listen to advice as perfection can always be perfected
HH
