I never like to predict score lines! I don’t have the power of the seer to peer into the future. How would I look when (as it is most likely going to be) my prediction fails? So, I avoid it like plague knowing the unpredictability of the game of football. Nevertheless, some things can be safely taken for granted. It is in that regard that I have dared to give this piece a prophetic title! So help me dear Eagles!
That the Eagles may not win is definitely out of the question. I am expecting a whitewash of the Equatorial Guineans. Anything less than six goals will not do. The psychology of the eagles at this point in time is right. The team is on a winning streak, both at home and away. No goal has been scored them in three consecutive matches! Yet, the team is yet to find a rhythm. When it does as I hope will start to happen today, goals will rain!
So, playing with supreme confidence, with a masterful disposition, with the determination to express themselves without fear and play to their best strengths, shooting at goal with deliberate calmness when the chances come, with a deliberate strategy of the full backs opening up their attacking throttles and going down the wings to break the Guinean defense, the Eagles will roast their opposition today! I invite every Nigerian to join me in counting when the flood gates open!

People’s Expectations
People would want to see the Eagles put up a grand performance. They would want to see creativity in the midfield and a several goal scoring options with incessant attacks. They would want to see an avalanche of goals. They would want to see individual expressiveness and creativity in the attacking third of the field. They would want to see all of these put together with plenty of entertainment. They would want to see someone remind us all of Jay Jay and his dribbles! And this would not be asking for too much. It is only in an easy game such as this that the Eagles would find the opportunity to build up their profiles and their goals haul.

Who has impressed me the most?
Joseph Yobo. He has been a great leader. His commitment to the national team has never been in doubt. Time after time he has demonstrated it. What he has succeeded in doing this time around is to take responsibility and go forward during some set pieces to exploit his height and heading skills. Against Equatorial Guinea he demonstrated to his forwards what they have been unable to do for several matches.

Little useful tips!
For Shuaibu! Don’t clog the team with too many instructions when it is time for team talk. Keep it short, sharp and simple. Strategy must be a few specific instructions that the players can remember to execute as the game progresses. That way Amodu’s style would become discernible and a stamp on the team!
Goal! Any of the goalkeepers will do. But I think it’s a good time to try out someone new!
Defense! With the full recovery of Chidi Odiah, Nigeria has two of the most potent and most attractive attacking full backs in Africa. Although the combination of Yobo and Nwaneri still looks occasionally shaky, the partnership in the centre of defense is getting more confident, more comfortable and tighter.
Midfield! Nigeria’s midfield has affected Nigeria’s attack and potency. The level of creativity in midfield has been limited. Defensively the midfield may have scored a pass mark. But in creativity and the final pass the midfield has been dismal.
Attack! Nigeria’s attack has been its weakest link. Full of running but blunt in front of goal. Shy to complete attacks. Always thinking of dribbling backwards to keep possession. Playing too much in the middle rather than playing wide and sending crosses endlessly!

John Utaka! This is for John Utaka if he plays. Once he goes past a defender he should never come back! He must either get to goal and shoot, or get to the goal line and deliver crosses. Beyond that he can have fun and enjoy the rest of his game.

The key to goals! To score many goals the team must operate from the wings! The Eagles must return to attacking through the flanks. Period!