Brazil 2014: How Nigeria fared against Bosnia 

The Super Eagles had a single job to do against Bosnia & Herzegovina-to win-and they did it. It was a victory that kept Nigeria's second round qualification alive at the ongoing World Cup in Brazil, but it was never an unexpected victory.

To Nigerians, it was a no-brainer that the African champions  were only second behind Argentina, as group favourites, after the World Cup draws, but team only threw uncertainty into the party after an uninspiring performance against Iran in the opening game.It's arguably the most colourless game at the Mundial, so far.

But to many football followers, particularly outside African continent, Bosnia who are making their World Cup debut in Brazil, earned their respect significantly after their performance against a struggling Argentina side, in their opening game. Suddenly the newcomers became a big deal and jumped into the favourites order, ahead of the Eagles.

 Odemwngie celebrates his winning goal with Emenike. Photo:FIFA

Led by Man City striker, Edin Dzeko, the European side relinquished their ultra-defensive performance against Argentina for a more adventurous version, an apporach that played into the hands of the Super Eagles. The Nigerians' slow and uninventive play couldn't break down Iran's resolute defending last Monday in Curitiba.

Emmanuel Emenike, who was a stalwart in the attack set up Peter Osaze Odemwingie to score the winning goal and earned Nigeria the country's first World Cup win since 1998. But their oponents were disappointed as Dzeko was wrongly ruled to have been offside as he scored via a clean strike in the 1st half.

DEFENCE

The Super Eagles defence had a torrid time especially in the first half, constantly experiencing suicidal moments with Bosnia's midfield anchored by the excellent Miralem Pjanic. The Eagles visibly played a highline in the opening half and it was Pjanic’s brilliant pass that put Dzeko through for Bosnia’s disallowed goal.

Vincent Enyeama was outstanding on occasions when called upon, including a brave stop from Dzeko in added time. He’s been very reliable for Nigeria and will be key in the country’s quest for glory at the World Cup.

Kenneth Omeruo had a brilliant game, by far Nigeria’s best defender in the game. His alertness and awareness were impressive, particularly after a nervy first half when Dzeko troubled him, alongside Yobo with great movements. Juwon Oshaniwa was steady while Efe Ambrose was the weakest link in defence. Ambrose allowed easy crosses on occasions and hardly showed dynamism going forward.

MIDFIELD

I wasn’t impressed with the performance of John Mikel Obi for obvious reasons. He’s the most experienced among the Eagles midfield trio including Ogenyi Onazi and new boy Michael Babatunde who added some creativity and caused Bosnia many problems.

Nigeria’s defence suffered hugely as they were, on many occasions, exposed to the onslaught of their opponents but Bosnia showed profligacy with many chances to have a go at the Eagles centre backs who adjusted to low block defending in the second half. Onazi worked really hard without the ball, doing most of the defensive duties. Mikel would need to do more to shield the backline and show urgency in influencing attacking play. (excuse the cliche)

Babatunde was however impressive and looked to be the new Sunday Mba, the midfielder who could actually support the attack and stretch play even to wide areas, when needed. He grew into the game and showed huge composure, coming close to scoring a few times. But he would need to improve in helping to retrieve possession. 

Babatunde went off injured but I hope he''ll be available for our next game against Argentina.

FORWARD

Emmanuel Emenike came alive, like a warrior who wanted to respond to the disappointment of a previously failed expedition. He was aggressive and made life difficult for Bosnia skipper Emir Spahic all night. The Fernabahce man combined finely with man-of-the-match Odemwingie, whose technical ability helped Nigeria manage possession immensely.

Odemwingie's technical prowess was the reason I chose him to replace Ahmed Musa but Victor Moses was disappointing against Iran and rightly lost his place in the starting line up. Unsurprisingly, Musa couldn't exploit his best weapon (pace) again, failing in his decisions in the final third.

Nigeria need at least a draw or hope Bosnia avoid a defeat against Iran, to progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup. Argentina are not invincible, but they've got Messi who reminds us that anything is possible, in the game.