2022 WC playoff : Five observations from Nigeria's goalless draw against Ghana

The Super Eagles played out a goalless draw against the Black Stars of Ghana  in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup playoff.

1. The Eagles Defence Started Poorly

The Super Eagles back line must improve and not switch off for 90 minutes on Tuesday.

In the game against the Black Stars on Friday night the defenders left yards of space and were caught on the counter by the nippy Ghana forward men.

There were improvements in the second half and that understanding and nastiness has to be applied in the reverse fixture.

2. The Creativity In Midfield Still Lacks

The Nigeria side made sloppy passes at will. They created a few chances admittedly but the team needs a 'wow factor' - a creative player.

Presently the players who can do this big task were either not invited, still undecided about playing for Nigeria, or were on the bench on Tuesday.

Augustine Eguavoen, this team is crying out for Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace and Michael Olise. Akinkunmi Amoo is invited but sat put the 0-0 draw, that's not promising and encouraging.

Alex Iwobi can sometimes do this on his good day.

3. Simon, Chukwueze Can Start On The Bench In Abuja

Moses Simon is undeniably an important part of the team but he is a player opposing teams will be keen to nullify. So why not make some changes to the starting lineup especially not starting the Nantes winger? Same goes for Chukwueze.

4. Kumasi Crowd Affected The Eagles

The over-packed Baba Yara Stadium, which is a 40,000 capacity stadium had over 70,000 partisan fans on Friday.

The vociferous singing and chanting affected somewhat the Nigerians. Hopefully same awaits the Black Stars.

5. Uzoho Competition For Okoye

Sparta Rotterdam safe hands Maduka Okoye pulled out of the Kumasi game due to a health issue even though it was wrongly claimed that he chickened out due to his poor performance against Tunisia at the Afcon.

The performance of Francis Uzoho in his stead was promising and that can only bode well for the goalkeepers.