Nigeria 3-2 Cameroon: 5 Talking Points | 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

#4 Defensive blunders almost cost Nigeria

Kenneth Omeruo made some defensive blunders

It is a well known fact that Nigera has struggled in the goalkeeping department since the departure of the legendary Vincent Enyeama and the unfortunate Leukemia diagnosis of Carl Ikeme, with Gernot Rohr tinkering between Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi and Francis Uzoho to little avail.

However, the center of defence had not really been an issue, as the 'oyibo wall' pairing of Leon Balogun and William Troost Ekong had held it down for the best part of the last two years.

However Balogun's struggles at Brighton last season coupled with Kenneth Omeruo's resurgence at Leganes saw the former dropped to the bench in favor of the Chelsea loanee and he justified his selection with a well taken goal in the game against Guinea.

Leon Balogun was introduced in his stance in the final group game against Madagascar and fluffed his lines, gifting the Barea a goal in the opening 15 minutes.

Omeruo was restored to the starting lineup against Cameroon, but was partly responsible for both goals conceded, as he failed to track the runs of both Stephane Bahoken and Clinton N'Jie.

In goal, Daniel Akpeyi was also jittery on occasion, failing to inspire confidence with the simplest of saves and could have conceded some ridiculous goals but for good fortune.

On the day, Nigeria's defense was rather poor, but their attack came to the rescue but moving ahead, Kenneth Omeruo and co would have to d much better.