Before the start of the start of the Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast 2023, the campaign that was waging on the Nigerian land was “LET’S DO IT AGAIN”. This was a mantra that has gained a lot of support as Nigeria seeks to land it’s 4th continental glory.
Throughout Jose Peseiro’s entire games as Super Eagles Coach, he has really favoured the 4 backline with Aina and Sanusi alongside the right and left back position complementing the center pair.
In the first group game, Peseiro went with a 4 back comprising of Aina, Sanusi, Ekong and Ajayi as they conceded in a 1-1 draw with group winners Equatorial Guinea.
Going into the second game against Ivory Coast, Jose Peseiro introduced Calvin Bassey in the starting line-up and formed a back 3 alongside Troost Ekong and Semi Ajayi with Sanusi and Ola Aina having half duty as wing backs.
This completely marked a turnover in Super Eagles fortunes in the AFCON. Following the introduction of this system, the Super Eagles have managed tremendous performance.
They have since won all four games without letting in a goal.
A 1-0 win against Ivory Coast, followed by same results against Guinea Bissau, before edging out Cameroon 2-0 in the Round of 16.
The Super Eagles maintained their form woth 1-0 win against Angola courtesy Ademola Lookman in the quarter finals.
Nigeria now matches on with a semi-final appearance since 2019 as they now see winning of the AFCON title a dream of possibility.
The 3 back system has really worked out to cure the deficiencies in the defence as it afford the wing backs opportunity to join the attack while holding the ball.
Coach Jose Peseiro has now kept faith in the 3 back tactical system as it seems to be doing the magic for the Super Eagles as they match in the ongoing AFCON.
By: Awal Mohammed Hudu, Kessben FM