The Super Eagles fell just short at the 2018 CHAN, could things have been different if coach Yusuf hadn’t made these errors?
Keeping faith with Rabiu Ali: The inclusion of Kano Pillars’ fitful midfield talent Ali in the CHAN Eagles’ squad for Morocco prompted some discussion, with many questioning whether the veteran midfielder ought to truly be considered among the NPFL’s best. While Ali boasts exceptional experience, at 37, he was the oldest player at the tournament…and showed it at times. He lost his place in the side as Dayo Ojo came in against Equatorial Guinea, and struggled to last into the second half of games during the group stage. Was he one of Nigeria’s weak links?
Axing Okpotu for the final: After keeping faith with Anthony Okpotu throughout the tournament, and praising his many qualities along the way, Yusuf opted to drop the frontman for the final against Morocco. It was a bold decision, and one that didn’t pay off. Without the attacker’s work rate and physicality, the Eagles both struggled to hold up the ball and lacked cohesion between midfield and attack. He may have been inconsistent with his finishing, but Okpotu offered the kind of presence that was needed against Morocco. He was missed.
Turning to Moses Eneji: With Okpotu axed, Yusuf turned to Plateau United’s Moses Eneji for the final—the biggest game of the young man’s career. The speedy wideman had been a questionable squad pick in the first place due to his fitness concerns, and was one of two Nigerian outfield players who hadn’t featured for a single minute in the run up to the final. At times, his pace when up against Morocco right-back threatened to vindicate Yusuf’s decision. However, a red card following a rash tackle early in the second half makes this one a bad call.
Overlooking some of the NPFL’s star frontmen: Eneji’s inclusion came at the expense of some of the NPFL’s most impressive attackers of last term, with several key players watching the CHAN from the outside after being discarded by Yusuf during the run-up to the tournament. As Nigeria struggled to breakdown Rwanda, Libya, Equatorial Guinea or Angola, it was hard not to think of absent duo Sikiru Olatunbosun and Kingsley Eduwo. The coach may well deserve some criticism for leaving his side short-staffed up front—particularly after injuries struck—while leaving some of the NPFL hotshots at home.
Neglecting Ibrahima Mustapha: Enyimba prospect Mustapha was given short shrift at the CHAN, playing just 53 minutes across three fixtures in the run-up to the final. He was introduced with 12 minutes to play against Morocco, but didn’t he, for his pace, movement and ability to beat a man, deserve a greater role in the proceedings. Indeed, with several key offensive weapons left at home, and Sunday Faleye injured, it’s intriguing to wonder why Yusuf didn’t give Mustapha more opportunity to make an impact during the latter stages.
