5 THINGS WE LEARNT IN AGADIR ( NIGERIA VS SAO TOME & PRINCIPE)

1. PESEIRO IS INSATIABLE:

 Somewhat of a 'slave driver' the Portuguese manager is a complete contrast to his foreign predecessor.

With 7 goals in the bag, a glance at his countenance and body language on the sidelines seemed like he was managing the losing side.

2. CLASSY BASSEY: 

It does not necessarily take playing against a heavyweight to show class, Bassey, like in all previous games, again, showed he is a 'special talent' that would, in years to come, remind the Azzurri and three Lions how much they goofed. He could go down as the biggest steal in Nigera's football history.

3. THE RETURN OF COMPETITION:

 Save for 1 or 2 new additions, the squad is basically the same phenotipically but different psychologically.

Soccer nittygritty is of the opinion that all of a sudden, there's an unspoken but fierce competition between Bassey, Zaidu, Balogun & Ekong. Same applies between Aribo & Iwobi / Chukwueze and Lookman / while the invitation of Adeleye will bring some discomfort to Maduka and Uzoho, Iheanacho must be having sleepless nights thinking of where and how to fit in. In the end, there will emerge only one winner - Nigeria!

4. SET-PIECES SOLUTION NOT FAR AWAY: 

Peseiro, so far, has shown he isn't timid to identify and attempt to fix his team's shortcomings. Clearly, the Portuguese is seeking alternative options away from Simon in corner-kick situations. As a result, he saddled Lookman with the responsibility to a much better effect. Time will tell if Etebo's unbelievable free-kick was a one-off or a product of deliberate, conscious efforts in training. In any case, Peseiro is clearly NOT taking set-pieces lightly.

5. OSIMHEN IS NOT A NIGERIAN:

Yes! You read that correctly! Unlike a typical Nigerian who's easily consumed by complacency at the taste of the littlest of success (e.g Dennis), this 23 yr old won't take his foot off the gas, won't stop fighting until there's nothing more to conquer.

Be it Mexico, Cape Verde, Brazil or Sao Tome - for Osimhen, it doesn't matter - same hunger, same work ethic.