Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi
Former internationals Austin Okocha and Patrick Pascal said Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi got his tactics wrong in Monday’s Brazil 2014 World Cup Group F clash against Iran.
Keshi’s 4-3-3 formation failed to break down the highly-organised and disciplined Iranian defence.
Nigeria started the encounter with Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike in the centre attack with Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa switching positions on the flanks.
However, the Eagles failed to trouble Team Melli, who celebrated their barren draw with the African champions.
Okocha, who spoke on SuperSport after the game, questioned the decision to substitute Shola Ameobi with Moses.
“I think it was a wrong substitution,” the Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations winner said.
“The team still lacked creativity until Osaze (Odemwingie) was introduced.”
Pascal, who praised the performance of the Eagles in the encounter, said Keshi should have started the game with two natural attackers instead of one – Emenike.
“We played one attacker against a defensive Iranians in the first half and it didn’t help us, because the opponents came for a draw.
“They packed their midfield – and it was easy for them to stop us because we were attacking their defence with only Emenike in the middle.
“When Ameobi was introduced, we were able to trouble their defence. it’s unfortunate we couldn’t score at least a goal.
“(Ogenyi) played very well. He was the Man-of –the Match. He read the game well and won the ball each time the Iranians moved for a counter-attack. They were relying on counter-attacks. Onazi is good. Mikel Obi also did well.”
Meanwhile, Iran manager Carlos Queiroz praised his players for the result.
“I’m very happy but it was very difficult. We played against a great team and it was necessary to play a realistic game. We fought for every ball, every space and played 90 minutes with one thing in our mind. My players need to be congratulated,” Queiroz was quoted by BBC Sport as saying after the game.
Keshi rued his team’s missed chances in the match, despite dominating the clash.
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