Rohr's Poor Selection & The 5 Reasons Why Super Eagles Lost To Bafana Bafana

A lethargic display from the Super Eagles who played like nothing was at stake was what we witnessed on Saturday. 

In the past months, especially after the 3-1 win over Algeria in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in November 2016, a new enthusiasm had been felt around the Super Eagles. 

From the players, the coaches, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the media and the general public.

But with this shameful loss to South Africa, we have all been brought back to earth.

These are the five things that went wrong in this loss.

1. Overconfidence
Going into this game, the Super Eagles and Nigerians in general, were arrogantly very confident. Confident from the fact that Nigeria have never lost to South Africa in a competitive game. 

The confidence might have also come from the recent form of the Super Eagles especially under Gernot Rohr.

Rohr has been unbeaten since he took over as Super Eagles boss. With such an impressive run, the Super Eagles underrated the South Africans which is crazy because Bafana Bafana were also unbeaten in 16 games ahead of the game. Now they are unbeaten in 17. Put some respeck on Bafana Bafana's name.

2. Rohr’s selections
Super Eagles boss got his selection wrong in this game. From his starting XI to his substitutions. Starting with a midfield three of Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo was worrying. 

The Onazi and Ndidi partnership had been worrying in previous games, Rohr’s decision to stick with it was confusing.

There was an apparent lack of force in the midfield and bringing in John Ogu would have made sense. Henry Onyekuru, a player who has had a brilliant season for his club this season was on the bench while Victor Osimhen who played just two games for his club was introduced in the game.

3. Lack of leadership
With senior players like Carl Ikeme, Captain John Mikel Obi, and Odion Ighalo missing there was an apparent loss of leadership in the team. 

Nigeria missed the control and balance Mikel offer

The Super Eagles played without coordination and needed a leader on the pitch to galvanise them when they went behind.

4. No plan for Tokelo Rantie
A huge mistake the Super Eagles made was not to make a plan for Tokelo Rantie. 

Before this game, Rante had score two goals against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, all at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

He was the one who scored Bafana Bafana’s opening goal in their 2-0 win. The burly striker was a menace to the Super Eagles defence all game.

5. Troost-Ekong and Awazie Central Defence Pairing
The central defence pairing of Troost-Ekong and Awazie was a total disaster. Both players could not cope with Rantie who opened goal for the South Africans. 

Leon Balogun was a huge miss. He makes Troost-Ekong better and the Super Eagles got it wrong in his absence.