5 business lessons from Nigeria 4 - 2 defeats of Argentina

For non-soccer lovers and business managers, Nigeria’s Super Eagles friendly match against Argentina on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, is not just an ordinary football game. It is one with many business lessons which can be adapted to scale small business and achieve survival.

Generally, soccer is one game that offers exposure to strategies and human resource management that apply to business. Thus, the match between Nigeria and the La Albiceleste offered such high points.

Here is the list of some of the keys lessons for small business managers and executives.

1. Don’t change a winning strategy

First main lesson form Nigeria’s game against Argentina is never to change your winning strategy when it is active. Gernot Rohr changed his formation from 4-2-3-1 he has been using since taking over the Super Eagles to 3-5-2 which nearly crippled the team.

Thus, hampering the team earlier in the game against Argentina. The team's captain also confirmed this fact.

“We played a new system today we never played before so we struggled to find our feet in the first half….,” Mikel said after the match.

2. First half of your business will be rough but remain enthusiastic

The first part of the game shows a rough situation, every business should expect to encounter. However, you should remain optimistic about having better results very soon.

Just as Argentina maintained a gear that Nigeria could not match in the first half of the game, your major competitors would also give such intense rivalry and you should struggle to hold your position and poise.

It is with this your business is sure of survival and making any gains in the nearest long-term.

3. Quickly address your identified weakness and defects

One important business lesson Rohr gave through his management of the Super Eagles’ game with the La Albiceleste is addressing your notable business weakness (es) as soon as possible.

Rohr noticed a major weak point which is the Eagles goalkeeper (Daniel Apeiye), hence he substituted him for a more active and composed net-guide, Francis Odinaka Uzoho.

As a business, don’t always leave an identified defect unaddressed as it may be the only thing you need to do to get your business back.

4. Always make good use of your best products/skills – they always give better results

The effective use of competitive advantages and strategic competencies is one major lesson Rohr used in Nigeria’s encounter with the Argentina. The coach effectively used his playmakers - Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and John Obi Mikel, to get needed result.

This move proved a double-edged sword and plan was well executed. However, if this Argentina team has a weakness (besides Messi-dependence), it is a lack of pace on the defensive line. And the trio of Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and John Obi Mikel took advantage of this deficiency.

5. You don’t have all the time, make changes quickly

One thing that all viewers of the friendly game noticed is the swiftness with which Nigerian coach made the needed change in the team. He used the opportunity provided by the half-time break to review his team’s performance. And the result is good for all.

“We played a new system today we never played before so we struggled to find our feet in the first half but at the break, the coach spoke to us and we corrected our mistakes which helped us to fight back.

“Our team is still work in progress,” Eagles captain, Mikel said.