by ‘Ifreke Inyang

Keshi’s tactics

The World Cup is not the Africa Cup of Nations. That means Stephen Keshi has to up his game technically. Against the USA, the Big Boss was ‘outtacticed” by Jurgen Klinsmann. The German coach set up his team to contain the Eagles, press them high up the pitch and break away with pace and purpose. And it worked a treat for all 90 minutes. Sadly, Keshi could not come up with a counter-plan. That would prove decisive as the World Cup begins this week.

Mediocre players

Apart from Vincent Enyeama, who consistently covers himself in glory, the rest of the team was sadly average. Where do I even begin from? Joseph Yobo, who was left for dead for the two goals Altidore scored? Or Victor Moses who constantly ran into blind allies? Should we mention Mikel Obi, who dithered for ages on the ball and lost it time and again? Odemwingie was also keen on continuing where he stopped against Greece – trying to overdo it. It was a poor, poor showing.

Ameobi will not cut it
Someone tweeted during the game that Stephen Keshi needs to apologise to Ikechukwu Uche. I don’t completely share those sentiments, but with every below-par performance in friendlies, you begin to see why the Villareal man should have been invited. Emmanuel Emenike is Keshi’s favoured frontman. He has the physique and the willingness to battle, but when that route is not working, you need a quick, mobile striker that will drop off defenders’ shoulders. We must not have a like-for-like replacement for Emenike like Ameobi, who was a pedestrian against the US.

Oshaniwa’s baptism of fire
Elderson Echiejile’s injury means Juwon Oshaniwa is the only left-back in the squad. Keshi started with him last night, probably to get a close look-in. I won’t be harsh on him, as it is probably the first time he is playing on that level. But I will say this quickly: Oshaniwa will either transform into a fine left-back in Brazil or become an utter disaster.

– ‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke