Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has strongly hinted that he plans to name up-and-coming young players and experienced stars in his roster for the 2018 World Cup, saying Nigeria is blessed with abundant talents.

Of the 23 players invited for the World Cup qualifier against Zambia, only five have World Cup experience : John Obi Mikel, Eddy Onazi, Elderson Echiejile, Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa.

Based on the pronouncement of Rohr, promising U21 players Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ola Aina, Oghenekaro Etebo and Chidozie Awaziem will be considered for the World Cup despite their youthfulness.

''I knew that we had good players in this country before I accepted to coach Nigeria, I saw a lot of young players,'' said Rohr to HipTV.

''What I wanted to do is to have a good mix between young and experienced players. In our first game a year ago, there were a lot of young players, we found a good harmony in the team.

''With this harmony we can go very far and we have the support of the crowd, when we play in Uyo it is very wonderful.

''We have made the right decision to have a young team, players who are hungry and who want to fight. ''

Since the Nigerian Federation handed over coaching reins to Rohr, the German has lost only one match, which was against South Africa in June.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel