Former Nigerian international, Abiodun Obafemi, expressed his admiration for the performances of underrated countries in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Obafemi highlighted the significant improvement of smaller nations and emphasized the need for Nigeria to recognize the upsets in the competition, approaching their upcoming match as a must-win.
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Obafemi acknowledged that Nigeria’s midfield was a source of concern for many, emphasizing the perceived lack of a creative playmaker.
However, he noted that the Super Eagles have been securing victories without necessarily playing aesthetically pleasing football.
According to Obafemi, the resilience and effectiveness displayed by the Nigerian players have contributed to their success in the tournament.
In analyzing the dynamics of the AFCON matches, Obafemi observed a shift in the playing style of smaller nations.
He pointed out that many players from these countries now ply their trade in European leagues, even if in lesser-known football nations.
The former international drew attention to a tactical aspect, describing it as “mob marking” or high-intensity marking, where two or more players aggressively mark one opponent, restricting passing options.
“All these smaller nations, the countries we call smaller nations, honestly, have caught up with the bigger ones because the majority of their players now play, they play their trade also in Europe, though in the lesser football nations.
But if you pay attention to what is happening now, the majority of the teams now know that there are two phases to the game. The attacking phase and the defensive phase.
If you look at what they are doing, when they lose the ball, there’s something that I observed virtually all the teams are doing. And that is what I call the mob marking, high-intensity marking.”
Obafemi highlighted the commitment and fighting spirit exhibited by smaller nations, emphasizing their determination to compete until the final whistle.
He noted that these qualities caught bigger teams off guard, as they were not adequately prepared for the tenacity displayed by their opponents.
In offering advice to the Super Eagles, Obafemi stressed the importance of recognizing the dual phases of the game—the attacking and defensive phases.
He encouraged the Nigerian team to adopt a fighting mentality, acknowledging that skill and finesse could be rendered ineffective without a strong competitive spirit.
As Nigeria prepares for their next match, Obafemi’s insights provide valuable perspectives for fans and the team alike, prompting a reflection on the evolving landscape of African football at the AFCON.
