Nigeria’s Hassan Abdallah has praised the Nigerian team for a good display at the just concluded African Cup of Nations, in abidjan.
The former Heartland Coach said that the team were very impressive with the new look 3/5 man defence and it helped them get far.
He also praised Frank Onyeka. The coach said Onyeka had a tournament of consistent performances, he likened Onyeka to Luisinho from the Brazilian team in 1982. He added that Onyeka and Luisinho had important roles, but they don’t get the recognition.
Abdallah also mentioned that the current 3/5 man defence being played by the super eagles can be better executed.
The coach said that counter attacking is usually the way to go with that system, but Nigeria are quite slow in transition and that could be done better.
He indicated that Calvin Bassey could push higher and assist when the team are attacking, giving more options up front. He added that Japan are the best counter attacking nation in the world, in his opinion. And that was down to quick transition from back to front.
The coach also suggested that the national team should have a scouting department to boost the quality of the super eagles. He mentioned that the final decision is up to the technical department of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and said he hopes they are watching what the local scouts are doing.
Abdallah wrapped up by saying: ”
We live to see and not see to live”, suggesting that it could be a reality at some point
