Nigeria vs Cameroun: 5 Things We Learnt

In the second friendly game scheduled for the international break, the Super Eagles outwitted and tamed the Indomitable Lions in Belgium, with the scoreline ending 3-0 in favour of the Nigerians.

The first game against Congo ended in a disappointing 0-2 loss after some camp squabble. But Sunday Oliseh’s boys effectively put that result behind them by smashing three goals past their opponents, thereby throwing up these five talking points.

1. Can we play Cameroun every week but the AFCON final?

Last night’s encounter was the 20th time the two West African nations have met with Nigeria showing her domination with 8 wins as against Cameroun’s 4.
Amazingly though, of the Indomitable Lions’ 4 wins, three of them have been in the final of the AFCON. It appears that the Lions always find the extra motivation when a major cup is within grasp.

For most part of the game, they were lame, lamentable and ended the game with ten men.

2. Mikel Obi is Sunday Oliseh key man

Against Congo Mikel was the sole shining light in a disappointing team performance that ended in defeat. Whatever Oliseh did or said to the Chelsea midfielder is working wonders as he once again produced another eye-catching display that included the assist that led to Efe Ambrose goal.

3. What’s Ambrose smoking in Celtic?

Talking of Efe, on his day, he is a disciplined, solid defender who can play both as a fullback and centerback. On his day.

On off days which can be quite often, he can be very unpredictable, even bordering on unreliable.
The last game Ambrose played for Celtic in the Champions League, he was a disaster, personally responsible for two of the goals his team conceded in a home loss.

Efe the good and the terrible showed up in yesterday’s match. Moments after almost scoring an own goal, the defender popped up in the opponent’s box, rose higher than others and headed home the game’s opener.

4. Ikeme is looking solid

All eyes are on the Wolves goaltender after stepping into Enyeama’s giant shoes.
But Carl has handled the pressure pretty well so far.
He was again impressive against Cameroun making a few fine saves and grabbing the chance he’s been given with both hands.

5. Emenike shouldn’t be starting games

Emenike is much loved by his compatriots for his robust and energetic displays. However, strikers are born to do just one thing: score goals.

The lanky attacker has not scored for the Super Eagles since October 2013. For 73 minutes against Cameroun he was not short of enterprise just lacking with his finishing touches. His replacement, Ighalo spent only 15 minutes on the field of play before grabbing a goal.

Oliseh should start considering extending invitations to strikers like Obafemi Martins who actually still know how to find the back of the net.

For now, it’s congratulations to Oliseh and his boys.

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Tags: Features Special Reports