Football fans on Saturday called on the technical bench of the Super Eagles to improve on their quality of play to ensure a win against Ethiopia on Jan. 29.
Nigeria played a 1-1 draw in their second Group C match against Zambia at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Jan. 25 thus having just two points.
Tayo Balogun, a veteran sports analyst, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that a change of style of play was needed by the team.
He said that the two matches played so far by the Super Eagles had witnessed the same style of play and also resulted in draws.
“I urge Keshi to adopt another pattern of play in their next match; I observed that the two matches so far were played in the same style and also resulted in draws.
“Keshi and his technical crew need to alter their styles of play in their next match in order to secure a win,’’ Balogun said.
Balogun further said that officiating in the two matches played so far had not been fair on Nigeria’s side, adding that the penalty awarded to Zambia was uncalled for.
Paul Hamilton, a former coach of the Super Falcons, told NAN that it was unfortunate the match ended the way it did.
He said that in the next match, which should be a “must win for us, we need to learn how to keep the ball in our possession always.’’
“In the match our players were on top of the game until the referee almost brought the match to an end.
“We need to maintain being on top of our game and also intensify our efforts for goal; towards the end of the match we should ensure we are always in the possession of the ball.’’
In his remark, Henry Ochei, a football referee, said that the team had not performed poorly in spite of the fact that the team was in a building process.
Ochei said that there was room for improvement before their next match against Ethiopia.
George Tadaferua, an entrepreneur, said that the team should learn how to hold on to a lead till the end of a match.
“I think we have to learn to keep hold of a lead, control the ball better, keep it in possession and strive to be clinical in front of goal,’’ he said.
Tadaferua said that the penalty that led to the equaliser was to him uncalled for.
But Nath Adakpo, a teacher, said that the Super Eagles lacked the coordination and coercion to secure victory, noting that the defense had been poor and the midfield porous.
Aanu Israel Anuoluwapo, a marketing communication strategist said that the team had not shown they hunger for success.
“The players have no rhythm and are not playing as a team at all as there is no hunger for success,’’ he said.
Nigeria is following Burkinafaso that has four points after a 4-0 win against Ethiopia on Jan. 25 in Group C.