Six players under twenty-three started the last qualifier, the youngest Nigerian line-up in a competitive fixture in over a decade.
The selection was not sentimental. Data from the last cycle showed Nigeria conceding most goals in the final twenty minutes of matches, and the staff decided the fix was legs rather than tactics.
The new midfield presses higher and recycles possession faster. Against opponents who sat deep, that produced more entries into the final third than in any qualifier of the previous campaign.
Where it still breaks down
Set-piece defending remains the clearest weakness. Two of the three goals conceded in the group have come from second balls inside the area, a pattern the staff acknowledge has not been solved.
Squad depth at full-back is thin. An injury on either flank would force a midfielder into the role, as happened in the away fixture in March.
“We are quicker and braver. We are also younger, and young teams concede goals they will not concede in two years.”Segun Olaniyan, assistant coach, Nigeria senior mens team
Next fixtures
Two qualifiers follow next month, the second away against the group leaders. A draw would be enough to keep top place within reach going into the final window.
Sources and documents
- Confederation of African Football fixture and results data
- Post-match briefing with the team's technical staff
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