IKENWA NNABUOGOR ponders on the formation Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr plans to employ as Nigeria seek to win a fourth AFCON crown in Egypt.
Coach Gernot Rohr has two playing formations close to his heart going into the AFCON finals when his wards open hostilities against Burundi in a Group B opener tomorrow in the port city of Alexandria.
Eagles have been known to at home playing their traditional 4-3-3 formation with which they have terrorized defences with fast wingers who are also involved in scoring goals apart from making them.
Past Eagles coaches relied so much on the wing play in a 4-3-3 formation to win games as well as win laurels.
Clemens Westerhoff popularized this formation using Finidi George and Emmanuel Amuneke on the right and left wings to win the 1994 AFCON and qualify for the World Cup for the first time same year in the USA.
For the records, the French coach Phillipe Troussier nicknamed the ‘White Witch Doctor’ brought the 3-5-2 philosophy along with him from Côte d’Ivoire where he had coached previously.
The formation was alien then as the Uche Okechukwu-led men struggled to adjust to it. “The White Witch Doctor” didn’t last long with the three-time African champions and his preferred formation consigned to the archives.
Late coach Shuaibu Amodu dug it up and used it for a few games and it appeared the players were still not used to it.
Rohr assumed the role when Sunday Oliseh left and continued with the 4-3-3 formation.
Vice captain Ahmed Musa and Spain-based Simon Moses switched from right to left at will as both players made and scored goals as Eagles flew to Egypt after missing the continental party twice consecutively.
However, Rohr revisited the 3-5-2 formation again and used it prominently against Argentina in the final group game at Russia 2018 World Cup and Eagles battled to grab the second round ticket.
Central defenders – William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo – had their hands full containing Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, but failed to advance to the knockout stages no thanks to a 2-1 loss.
Should he now revert to this formation against Burundi on Saturday following concerns over Balogun’s competitiveness due to bit part roles he played at Brighton?
Or should he continue with 4-3-3 formation since there’s some level of assurance at right and left backs owing to the Jamilu Collins’ performance and the timely return of Ola Aina?
Should Rohr decide to play 3-5-2 again, Omeruo appears the best choice to reproduce his Russia 2018 World Cup performance, joining Balogun and Troost-Ekong in the three-man defence format.
Chidozie Awaziem is also a strong contender for a shot in this formation. His convincing displays at the Turkish top flight this past season made a strong case for him.
John Ogu, who has previously been used in this formation could also get a look-in. Tested and assured, Ogu will always get his best.
In the midfield still in the 3-5-2 formation, five-man detail led by comebacking captain John Obi Mikel leads the charge here to be complemented by Moses Simon at left wingback, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Kalu at right wingback.
Mikel could be deployed to the deep lying role in front of the centre backs depending the formation Rohr settles for. Comfortable in every department of the midfield, the former Chelsea superstar refuses to give away anything whenever duty calls.
Young Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is always available to give his best in whatever role Rohr deploys him either the 3-5-2 or 4-3-3.
Completing the team in the 3-5-2 formation are top strikers Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa, forming the twin attacking line expected to get the goals for the Eagles.
The much favoured 4-3-3 formation will expectedly have Aina ahead of Shehu Abdullahi at right back and Collins continuing his thing at left back.
“Oyinbo Wall” of Ekong and Balogun appears to complete the back four, though Omeruo could alter this arrangement.
Mikel, Ndidi, Etebo or Iwobi will be expected to keep things tight in the midfield for Rohr’s 4-3-3 format.
The wing play will be heavily relied on to provide the fire power for the much needed goals to battle for honours.
Villarreal new star Samuel Chukwueze will surely bring something extra for the Eagles’ wings, giving the Musa and Moses the much needed competition.
Perhaps, Rohr could decide to start Chukwueze – for a fresh surprise and introduce speedster Musa to finish a good job.
Ighalo completes the attacking line up and is expected to continue his fine goal scoring form that saw him emerge top scorer in the qualifiers.
3-5-2 Probable line up – Daniel Akpeyi – Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo – John Obi Mikel, Moses Simon, Samuel Kalu, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi – Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo.
4-3-3 Probable Line Up – Daniel Akpeyi – Ola Aina, Leon Balogun/Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong, Jamilu Collins – John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo – Samuel Chukwueze, Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo
