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The Super Eagles still have every chance to progress to the second round of the World Cup; all they need do is win their remaining matches. While this won’t be a picnic on the beach, it certainly is not unachievable if we put our acts together and focus absolutely on the task. The mountains to be climbed are not so steep, careful placement of feet and determination is needed.

Eight years ago in Korea-Japan, we found ourselves in a similar situation. We lost our first match to Argentina by a lone goal. It became imperative for us to win the next one and instead of rising to the occasion; we lost the second group match to Sweden, incidentally coached by our current handler Lars Lagerback. Now we are faced with a bruised Greece who played so poorly against South Korea that one was left wondering how they got into the World Cup.

For the records, they knocked out Ukraine in the play offs to arrive in South Africa. Towing their pedigree as a former European champion, the Greeks should never be judged only by the performance against South Korea. Aside having one of the most tactically discipline gaffers in Otto Rehaigel, Greece know how to defend a lead whenever they have their noses in the front. They have a very good and deeply experienced goalkeeper who has seen it all. This coupled with the taste of victory in Portugal six years ago makes them a very formidable opponent.

Having lost their opening match, they will be desperate to win the next. Quite simply, we are both in the same boat and only the hungrier team would have food on the table at the end of the day. The critical decisions to be made on the day also would aid in no small measure the outcome of the tie.

Tactics and Line Up

I was surprised to see Lagerback come out with a 4-3-3 formation against Argentina in our last match. I thought it would have been more appropriate to pack the midfield and hit them on the counter each time we have the ball. This was why I proffered the 4-5-1 formation with Yakubu as the lone striker up front. Obviously, Largerback’s tactical decision didn’t pay off as the Argentines practically commandeered the midfield throughout the encounter save for a brief period of possession by the Eagles towards the end.

The question then is what should he do against Greece?

The Super Eagles enjoyed some successes in the past as a result of our wing play. This pattern was formalized during the reign of Clemens Westerhoff and later Jo Bonfere. We launch our attacks through the wings with pace that usually open up the defense of our opponents. The unfortunate reality is that we do not have good wingers in the team anymore. More significantly, the coach determines the formation at any given time and Lars may not be enamored with our past experience.

The Greeks play a compact five man midfield with a loan striker similar to what I proffered against Argentina in the first match. To counter this, I strongly believe that we should tow out and out strikers in Martins and Aiyegbeni to keep their defense busy. There is no room for show boating and all focus must be on the game till the last whistle.

First Team

Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Dele Adeleye, Taye Taiwo, Chidi Odiah, Dickson Etuhu, Lukman Haruna, Ozaze Odemwengie, Yusuff Ayila, Obafemi Martins and Yakubu Aiyegbeni should start this match. I have chosen two defensive and two attacking midfielders in this formation which is a 4-4-2. But this demands a committed display from our left backs to aid the attack when we have the ball. With the grafting skill of Ayila and Etuhu, I believe we should be able to hold our own against the Greeks in the midfield.

Coach Lagerback must tell his players to play for one another. It was disheartening to see the reaction of Ozaze against his team mate, Martins when the latter asked him for the ball against the Argentines. They must realize that this would be the last chance for most of them to make a name for Nigeria.

My Prediction

Like 16 years ago when we played against the Greeks at USA 1994, I believe Vincent Enyeama just as Peter Rufai did would have a major say in the outcome of the game. Rufai, for me had his best game for Nigeria in that match. Had it not been for his agility, we would have been three goals down before Finidi George scored the opener. With his ‘Man of the Match’ performance against Argentina, Enyeama is posed to be a major factor in this tournament for Nigeria.

I fancy us getting a goal and keeping it tidy at the back throughout. I hope this time around ‘am good! Cheers!

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