Who Is On The Plane To Russia? 16 Players Assured Of Places In Nigeria World Cup Squad

Published: November 18, 2017
Who Is On The Plane To Russia? 16 Players Assured Of Places In Nigeria World Cup SquadOne of the noticeable highlights of Gernot Rohr's management in the series we witnessed was that he largely showed an unwavering loyalty in his choice of core players, less prone to tinkering, in such a way that has barely tried to improve on the fallout of the team's game-by-game exigencies.

While the midfield pivot of Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi and further forward, John Obi Mikel largely remained unchanged, he had somewhat staunchly kept faith with the duo of Shehu Abdullahi and Elderson Echiejile irrespective of their deficiencies and also, William Troost-Ekong and his partner, Leon Balogun were always called upon to man the defense.

The jubilation and the flow of champagne had been at its utmost since Nigeria secured its participation at the biggest stage of international football billed for Russia next year but then as we savour and watch the dust settle on that stunning run with a return to club football, this review would just about postulate the sixteen dead-cert Eagles who are more than guaranteed a place on the plane to the Eurasian country — of course, barring any last-ditch irremediable development(s).

(1) John Obi Mikel — There is very little to suggest that the 30-year-old would not be leading out the Super Eagles in the World Cup tourney next year. Cohesion, incisiveness and coordination: he has these qualities in bountiful amounts.

(2)Victor Moses — Victor Moses is even more irremovable and the nub of the matter is simply that when he is on song, he gives the team that sprinkling of gold dust that evidently rubs off on his teammates and elevates them to a greater level. Rohr can ill-afford to leave him out.

(3)Alex Iwobi — The Super Eagles attack has bedded well with the explosiveness and trickery of the Arsenal youngster and perhaps, it is on such dispositions that the team would thrive in Russia.

(4)Leon Balogun — Much like his defensive partner, Troost-Ekong, Balogun has been almost impenetrable at the heart of the team's rear guard and would surely form part of it's defensive lynchpin next year.

(5)William Troost-Ekong — Troost-Ekong seamlessly complements Balogun. So what we are primed to continue witnessing in the 2018 showpiece is the duo of the aforementioned Balogun and Ekong reprising the inch-perfect roles they had played at the back line for the Super Eagles.

(6)Ogenyi Onazi — Very few would match his tenacity on the ball and his disposition in helping out defensively in adverse situations. Onazi would, no doubt, walk back into the team when fit.

(7)Wilfried Ndidi — Ndidi's aggressiveness, work rate and midfield agility picks him out as a surebet, even if idyllic passing ability counts against him. It is equally telling that the Leicester City midfielder has featured in almost all the Super Eagles qualification games.

(8)Kelechi Iheanacho — Iheanacho has shown his brilliance and deadly instincts in large swathes for Nigeria and it is succinctly clear that on his day, the precocious starlet is simply unplayable.

(9)Moses Simon — He has handily held off Ahmed Musa, his direct rival for the left spot and has largely done well whenever called upon. A viable shoo-in for any kind of Super Eagles attack.

(10)Odion Ighalo — In Ighalo, the team's attack have just the perfect poacher to unlock the meanest of defences and we had all at different points witnessed the efficacy of his biggest powers.

(11)Ahmed Musa — Ahmed Musa would surely feel hard done by if he were to miss out of the travelling party but that is very unlikely. Even though he is not getting substantial game time with the team, one would hardly begrudge his quality.

(12) Elderson Echiejile — He might be much-maligned by the local faithfuls but it would be doing disservice to one of the long-serving members of this team. Come the turn of next year, a fit and performing Elderson would get his World Cup wish.

(13) Shehu Abdullahi — His versatility would likely prove crucial in getting him a place on the Russia plane. Having largely filled in well at right back for the team while naturally being a midfielder by trade, Rohr might yet call upon him at any given time.

(14) Ikechukwu Ezenwa — The jury is still out on which goalkeeper would be between the sticks for the Super Eagles but Ezenwa might just be the Occam's razor in a situation whereby Rohr is forced to make do with what he has at his disposal. Yet, the team's goalkeeper position is currently in the melting pot though.

15) Oghenekaro Etebo - The CD Feirense number ten would equally be on the plane because of his ability to thrive in all the positions in the midfield zone and attack.

16) Ola Aina : A no-brainer. The Chelsea product would act as back up option for the regular left back and right back and this makes him a useful option. Can also play in central defense and midfield.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Latest News
Hire the right candidates on MyJobMag
News Categories