Five things we learnt from Nigeria vs Serbia friendly by Ayodeji Bankole

Nigeria were defeated by Serbia 0-2 in an International friendly at Barnet Stadium, Hive in London.

Here are five things we learnt from the Nigeria vs Serbia friendly match;

1. GOALKEEPING SITUATION

Coach Gernot Rohr still has to look out for more experienced goalkeeper heading to the world cup, Francis Uzoho ones again looks shaky with his timing and positioning sometimes questionable.

Though the 19year old made some impressive saves but needs quality competition to keep him in a better shape ahead of the world cup.

2. MIKEL KEY TO MIDFIELD

The Super Eagles tends to always suffer in midfield without their skipper. Mikel absence was ones again felt at Barnet as the Eagles failed to control the game against Serbia, his accurate and well timed passes, linkup play and ability to dictate play in midfield was solely missed, likewise his leadership quality on and off the pitch.

3. EAGLES DEFENCE LOOKS SHAKY WITHOUT OYINBO WALL

Without the Oyinbo wall as famously called, the Eagles defence looks vulnerable. Super Eagles backline tends to be more solid when the Oyinbo wall are together (William Troost Ekong and Leon Balogun) because they have better understanding of each other game.

4. ROHR 4-3-3 FORMATION

Rohr started the match with a 4-3-3 formation that lacks creativity from midfield playing three defensive midfielder in Ogenyi Onazi Wilfred Ndidi and Joel Obi which gave Serbia the edge over Eagles in the midfield area as there was no proper communication and team play between the midfield trio.

5.  EAGLES STRIKING OPTIONS

The Super Eagles has a lot of work to do in the attack. Odion Jude Ighalo needs to step up his game why Rohr needs to gives some other players the opportunity to see what they can bring into the team. Ighalo is often too predictable and does well in holdup play but we need strikers who can run at defence and tear them apart.