Tanzania vs Nigeria : Five Key Players To Watch

As we draw closer to the Tanzania vs Nigeria clash at Dar es Salam in Tanzania some Nigeria players have pulled out of the squad, with  Enyeama and Joel Obi the culprits, but there are some other players that are capable of stepping up to the occasion.

As the Tanzania/Nigeria match looks like a match where player’s quality and character is needed, there are some players who are capable and will be key to the progress for Nigeria on the field of play.

We take a look at those key players who are capable of maximizing Nigeria’s chances during the game.

Kingsley Madu

The young left back Kingsley Madu who made his debut for the super eagles against Chad in Kaduna put up a superb performance on that day.

The young lad who plays for AS Trencin in Slovakia was calm on the ball and occasionally joined the attack to the benefit of the team.

His confidence on his debut was spot on as he was so composed on the ball every time he received it and he was not afraid to take risk.

At his young age he was bold enough to make attacking foray down the left flank which unsettled the opposing defence, such pace and attacking flair will be needed for the Tanzania game as the host might be too compact for the Eagles.

Also on some occasion he pumped up to takes shot at goal which can cause havoc for the opposition. Madu is a tricky defender and his ability to dribble and handle the ball better under pressure will aid Nigeria performance in the game.

Kenneth Omeruo

Omeruo, the Chelsea loanee, will always be the last man standing for the Super Eagles. He is  the new Joseph Yobo of his era.

He is ever present just as the centurion (Yobo) and will be needing to play similar role in defence though not in a captain capacity but will be needed to marshal and organize the defence.

In the absence of Vincent Enyeama, from the Tanzania clash in Dar es Salam the mantle falls readily on him to guide the defence in great aplomb.

At his young age he had acquired valuable experience at the National Team and also at club level and will be called upon when the game gets underway.

He is ahead of Godfrey Oboabona and Willian Troost-Ekong in the pecking order in the defence and looks likely to lead the defence.

His partnership with any of the two defenders above will be under scrutiny against Tanzania and how well they far may determine the course of the game as regards to the Super Eagles.

Lukman Haruna

The returning midfielder who has been out of the international wilderness since 2010 after starring for Nigerian at the World Cup
in South Africa particularly against Argentina at a very young age (19) and says he was not scared of playing against big names like Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi and Co, is back to the Super Eagles.

And all eyes are on waiting to see what value he can add to the team. With the absence of some players like Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu and particularly John Obi Mikel, Haruna will be saddled with the mantle to marshal the midfield; the burden of controlling and dictating the pace of the game rest likely on his shoulders.

Also, Haruna must fill the void left behind by Joel Obi who withdrew due to injury and the ever present John Obi Mikel in midfield.

The midfield has been one of Nigeria greatest needed with Nigerians always clamouring for creativity in the middle of the park, but one question is can Haruna bring creativity to Nigerian midfield?

This can only be answered on the field of play.

Emmanuel Emenike

The striker whose Super Eagles career seem to have been dealt a huge blow when he left Fenebahce (Turkey) in Europe and moved to UAE club (Al Ain) in Asia made a surprise return to the super Eagles ahead of in form Odion Ighalo to the surprise of many, but the striker has a lot to prove to Nigerians again.

After been Nigeria’s hero in African Cup of Nations victory in South Africa in 2013 and also in the World Cup qualification particularly against Ethiopia in Atananariro Emenike has lost form for club and country leading to break out with the club fan which led to his move away from the club.

Emenike last scored for Nigeria in 2013 and will be needed to do it now in this crucial away tie.

Emenike’s relevance to the team cannot be under ruined even without his goals. His experience and strength will be typical to the African game against Tanzanians.

He can bully and worry defenders and would definitely be an asset for the Eagles as he did at the World cup to set up Osaze Odemwingie’s goal against Bosnia.

Ahmed Musa

One of Nigeria’s most consistent player over the last five years. The young lad who made his Super Eagles debut as a home based player (Kano Pillars) against Madagascar in African Nations Cup qualifier under Austin Eguavoen in 2010 has always been in Nigeria’s squad just as Taye Taiwo between 2005 – 2010.

He recently played a crucial role in CSKA Moscow qualification for the UEFA Champions league by scoring the decisive goal.

Such performance at club and National level have made Musa one of the Key to Nigeria’s success.

He scored a brace against Sudan in Abuja to get Nigeria’s qualifying campaign back on track and also scored a beautiful goal against South Africa wearing the captain’s armband.

Over the years Nigeria have always had captain from other position except the forward line because striker have not been so
outstanding to keep a place for long in the National team.

Players like Christian Chukwu, Stephan Keshi even Sunday Oliseh the current coach all wore the captain armband from a defensive position.

That notwithstanding Ahmed Musa likely to be on exception as he will lead the attack with the captain armband for the crucial away tie.

Musa is not just only expected to captain the side but is expected to utilize his pace and direct running at the opposing defence as a weapon for the game ahead.

Musa’s eye for goal can be counted on especially at the edge of the box as he got ability to curl the ball into goal beyond the goal keepers reach.

All the same Musa might be young but should do better than the previous game against South Africa were he captained the side for the first time as he knows very much the challenge that lie ahead and how to deal with the situation.