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Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen made just one substitution ahead of the clash against Rwanda, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru taking Alex Iwobi's spot alongside Wilfred Ndidi.
In the recent AFCON 2025 qualifier match against Rwanda, Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen made a tactical decision that raised eyebrows among fans and viewers.
Despite the team's dominant performance, Eguavoen chose to substitute two of his most influential midfielders, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Wilfred Ndidi, in the 70th minute.
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13:22 - 11.09.2024
Super Eagles interim coach Eguavoen reveals reason behind Chukwueze’s substitution
Augustine Eguavoen, Nigeria's interim coach, has disclosed the real reason behind Samuel Chukwueze's substitution in the second half.
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This report analyses their performances up to that point and examines the potential implications of these substitutions.
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Tactical Setup
Eguavoen deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation, also used in the win against the Benin Republic in Uyo, with Dele-Bashiru and Ndidi forming the pivot in midfield.
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This setup was a slight modification from the previous match against the Cheetahs, with Dele-Bashiru replacing Alex Iwobi in the starting lineup.
Player Performance Analysis
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Ndidi's performance epitomised his role as the midfield enforcer for the Super Eagles:
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- Duels: Won the most duels (8), including 100% success in aerial duels
Ball Distribution:
- Completed 85% of his passes
- Made 9 passes into the final third
- Created one big chance
- Delivered one key pass
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Defensive Contributions:
- Made 3 interceptions
- Won 1 tackle out of 5 attempts
Overall Involvement:
- 55 touches
- Committed only one foul
Ndidi's performance showed his ability to break up play, distribute effectively, and contribute to the team's attacking phases.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio)
Dele-Bashiru, given the nod ahead of Iwobi, justified his selection with an impressive display:
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Passing Accuracy: Most accurate passer on the team, completing 95% of his passes
Ball Progression:
- Made 6 passes into the final third
- Completed 2 successful dribbles
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Defensive Contributions:
- 7 ball recoveries
Overall Involvement:
- 47 touches
- Won 2 ground duels
Dele-Bashiru's performance highlighted his technical proficiency and ability to progress the ball, complementing Ndidi's more defensive role.
Implications of the Subs
At the 70-minute mark, Eguavoen made the surprising decision to replace both Ndidi and Dele-Bashiru with Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika respectively.
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This double substitution raised several questions:
Momentum Disruption: Given the dominant performance of both players, these changes risked disrupting the team's rhythm and control of the match.
Tactical Shift: The introduction of Onyeka and Onyedika might suggest a desire to inject fresh energy into the midfield, possibly to maintain pressing intensity in the final stages of the match.
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Player Management: With both Ndidi and Dele-Bashiru playing for top European clubs, Eguavoen might have been mindful of their workload, especially considering upcoming fixtures.
Testing Depth: These substitutions could be seen as an opportunity to assess the squad's depth in a competitive setting, particularly with Onyeka and Onyedika vying for regular spots in the team.
Conclusion
The performances of Ndidi and Dele-Bashiru were instrumental in the Super Eagles' control of the match against Rwanda. Their substitution, while surprising given their impact, opens up discussions about Eguavoen's tactical flexibility and squad management.
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But as Nigeria progresses in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, the depth and versatility demonstrated in this match could prove crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Eguavoen balances the team's tactical needs with player rotation and management, especially considering the quality depth available in the Nigerian midfield.
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