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2021 AFCON Qualifier: Dessers, Ehizibue Make Eagles’ 24-man Squad For S/Leone Clashes ⭐

2021 AFCON Qualifier: Dessers, Ehizibue Make Eagles’ 24-man Squad For S/Leone Clashes ⭐

Top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie Cyriel Dessers and FC Koln’s Kingsley Ehizibue are among the Super Eagles 24-man squad for this month’s 2021 AFCON qualifying double-header against Sierra-Leone, Completesports.com reports.

This will be the first Super Eagles call up for both Dessers and Ehizibue.

Also Read: Monaco Demand €10m For Onyekuru From Galatasaray

Dessers, 26, who has a Belgian father and a Nigerian mother, had already declared his interest to represent Nigeria.

Ehizibue was born in Munich, Germany, and plays as a right-back.

The 24-year-old has featured 21 times for FC Koln in the Bundesliga this season.

Among other regulars who made the list are Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa, Daniel Akpeyi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Victor Osimhen.

Also invited are Samuel Chukwueze, Semi Ajayi, Shehu Abdullahi, Moses Simon, Joe Aribo, Ola Aina, Kelechi Iheanacho and Oghenekaro Etebo who are both making a return to the team.

The game comes up inside the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on March 27 while the reverse fixture is billed for Freetown five days later.

The Eagles lead Group L with six points after winning their opening two games against Benin Republic and Lesotho.

Full Super Eagles list for 2021 AFCON Qualifiers Vs Sierra Leone:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Wigan Athletic, England); Chidozie Awaziem (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Paderborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Kingsley Ehizibue (FC Koln, Germany)

Midfielders: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Etebo Oghenekaro (Getafe FC, Spain); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Ramon Azeez (Granada FC, Spain)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia); Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Cyril Dessers (Heracles Almelo, The Netherlands); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France)

By James Agberebi


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COMMENTS

WORDPRESS: 104
  • Chima E Samuels 4 years ago

    Coach Rohr that’s a great list…. the inclusion of Kingsley and Cryril boost my head!!!

    • Glover Solomon 4 years ago

      Samuel kalu and shehu nor suppose make d list when ejike Dey hot 

  • Ololo 4 years ago

    Strictly by merits.

  • Edoguy 4 years ago

    No Henry Onyekuru. Are there no more midfielders and defenders other than Leon Balogun and Shehu

    • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

      Pls list them. And make sure they have as much quality and experience as the duo.

  • Asoko Emmanuel 4 years ago

    Can anyone then say the coach is incapable?He’s the best coach we’ve ever had in terms of effectiveness and sincerity and all ratification .Encouraging competitiveness is the hallmark of any coach.Let the naysayers keep lamenting while this coach does his job and collect his money.Now that the list is out let the debate begin.

  • CHRYX 4 years ago

    musa even though he is the is not here on merit
    i don’t know why MUSA should and Ejuke not here
    also shehu adbulahi should not be here too thats waste of space
    or can somebody tell me where shehu will play in this team rightback has AILA DM has ramon Azeez/etebo/ndidi/aribo hmmm RHORH should tell us why he is not inviting EJUKE with his form right now .

    • Greenturf 4 years ago

      Shehu Abdullahi is naturally a midfielder who can as well play multiple roles.
      Apparently,he plays as a midfielder for his Turkish team Bursaspor which got relegated last season to the second tier but on the verge of promotion with Shehu playing regularly in their midfield department,the very reason he got invited by Rohr.

    • Greenturf 4 years ago

      Ejuke didn’t get an invite because we already have five wing players who have done so well with the team as well their teams in Europe and beyond.So it’s needless to invite a sixth winger who is inexperienced but may get his chance in the last games should we win both legs and book a ticket to Cameroon next year.

    • Sammy 4 years ago

      Guy, please let the man breath. Even if he had to invite 5 additional people, I doubt your Ejuke will make the list. Musa is one of the leaders in a team full of inexperienced guys and you want the coach to drop him. How abeg?!!!

      Shehu may be there on solely on political considerations, he’s d only northerner in a list of 24 players, but what do you want the coach to do.

      He has to keep his job in an environment where everything has been infused with politics. Do u know the kind of pressure someone in his position has to deal with? And he made only one concession to these considerations.

      Leave the guy abeg. He tried.

    • Chima E Samuels 4 years ago

      Musa is also a northerner Shehu has no business in that team when we continue to overlook Ovie Ejaria. Naija check his highlight you’ll cry for this country!

      • Chima na you dey yarn like dis?
        You should know better that ovie Ejaria needs change of Nationality and clearance first

      • Sammy 4 years ago

        Musa is from Edo state sir. He’s not a northerner.

        • Collins id 4 years ago

          @ sammy Musa, jamilu collins and shehu are all northerner i know u are refering to victor moses not ahmed musa

        • Chima E Samuels 4 years ago

          @Sammy are you kidding me you call Aboki musa Edo hmmm bro i hail o. @cuteprince then lets start processing the papers na England don’t need him now.

        • Musa’s mum is Edo (a Christian) and his father is from Borno (a Muslim). So, Musa is partly South and it’s little wonder he feels at home down south too and could marry a Calabar lady.

          • KangA 4 years ago

            He married an Ogoja lady, not Calabar. Ogoja is the most politically robbed area in Nigeria—the only post colonial province in Nigeria not made a state. But God is on our side. 

      • We are still processing ejaria nationality switch.he is not eligible for now.

    • Mercy 4 years ago

      Shehu is there as a back up for ndidi and etebo. Knowing the recent injuries problem to ndidi and etebo, the gaffer want an additional DM. Even though, both players are back from injuries, you never can tell what will happen between now and 27th of March when the match will be played

      • Collins id 4 years ago

        Samy ajayi is already a back up to Ndidi and Etebo in the DM though shehu inclusion is not bad beside rohr still need to cut 3 out of 24 to make 21 players for the game

      • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

        Shehu has NEVER, I repeat HAS NEVER been a bad player playing for the SE…he is the garba lawal of this generation… highly resourceful, hardworking but unappreciated.

        He was one of the standout players of John Obuh’s 2013 U21 team, from the AFCON to the world cup. He was Siasia’s No1 fullback at Rio Olympics (a team which some people’s MUSA Muhammed who is FAR BETTER than Ola Aina couldnt make) bombing forward and giving unbelievable pullouts…he provided about 3 assists at the Olympics.

        He was had the RB position firmly under his control during Oliseh and Rohr’s early days and featured prominently in our world cup qualification delivering 2 assists…. notably the assist that took us to Russia. Defensively, he has not at anytime costs us either. The fact that he can even play as a midfielder is another advantage.

        Like most players of Northern extraction, he might not be the glamorous, pompous and arrogant media frenzied type…but he comes in and gets the job done…that’s why GR, known for his very unbiased selections, cannot easily ignore him. He is doing well for his club so why should he not be invited…? Because he is a northerner…? Some people have said before that only players of SE and SS extraction should be invited to our national teams….but guess what…they are not the coach of the national teams.

        Hands of Shehu Abdullahi…!!!

        • Stop listing names of fail player for Godsake when will nigeria be only inviting player from top leagues and club. Honestly Musa, shehu, Ezenwa has nothing to do with this team, the should go an join a top club or play in a top league period. I even prefer english championship or Scottish league pls ooooooo

          • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

            Ngwa go and carry eraser and clean dia names from d list na. When the coach field them on matchday switch off your TV. You for kuku say only players playing for real Madrid and Barcelona should be invited to the national team. Lol

          • You are correct bro, don’t mind Mr know it all.

          • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

            Mr I live in Austria. LMAO….are you back…??? Lolz

        • greenturf 4 years ago

          Absolutely @ Dr.Drey!Shehu Abdullahi is a very hardworking player,committed and a disciplined athlete who has proven his mettle when called upon.
          He is resourceful and versatile for both club and country.
          Abdullahi was a member of the Stephen Keshi’s led Chan team that finished third in South Africa.He shown prominently in his natural midfield position.
          He has featured for the Nigerian youth teams as well the CHAN and the super eagles under different managers and has done well as a good team player.
          He has world cup experience and a regular for his modest side Bursaspor.
          Apparently,the switch in position could be due to new boy Ehizibue who is a full back and with the super eagles blessed lately with a plethora of full backs.
          Though i would love to see him play in the midfield where he excelled with the Chan team and Bursaspor.Thankfully,the opportunity has presented itself and i’m hoping he makes the most of it.
          This switch in position could provide the platform for this player who has a tank to introduce himself in a different fashion to the super eagles fans.

        • Gajere 4 years ago

          Well said. You always back your points with facts. Shehu is good defensively and also goes forward to contribute to the attack. Gets the job fone always without fuss. Some people are blinded by tribal sentiments.

  • Chidi 4 years ago

    Who say GR no b coach?guys now I understand why Wenger recommended him for Pinnick,like I always say GR might be wrong in some of his decision cos no one is perfect,but it’s obvious he clearly has a vision,

  • Paschal 4 years ago

    Major casualties are 1. Paul Onuachu 2. Josh Maja 3. Solomon Otabor 4. Ejuke 5.Tyronne Ebuehi
    Methinks Maja should at least have been invited in place of Samuel Kalu who is no longer playing regularly at Bordeaux. Maja has a lot more game time than Kalu in the same club and am sure he will be wondering why Kalu was invuted ahead of him. But one thing is sure: Coach Rohr is a big fan of Kalu’s style of play so am not surprised. I pray he wont disappoint the coach. Also i think Musa has paid his dues and should leave for the younger ones or at least for Ejike.More guys are also on the queue namely: 1. Ademola Lookman 2. Chuba Akpom 3. Ovie Ejaria and 4. Bright Osayi Samuel hope they get opportunity sometime. I also think the coach should go now for Faustino Anjorin of Chelsea, Joshua Zirkzee of Bayern Munich and Tosin Adarabioyo of Man City ( on loan to another club). They are great prospects

    • Wise naija 4 years ago

      It is not possible to invite all the players every one wants to play at the same time. Lets pray these ones to do us well.

    • Ugwudede 4 years ago

      Since Kalu came back from injury he has been playing and their last league game he waa used as the main strikee while Maja haa been warming the becnh recently

    • Chidiomimi 4 years ago

      I wish you can come up with your own list of 24 players that will execute the match and see how people will critic it.

  • Nice list from G. Rohr. He have proven to be a very articulative coach. Fans have being asking for cyril. We now have him but the question lies; who’s gonna Start? With the form of our strikers, it will be a tough one. For those clamouring for ejuke should be patient because his time will come. Thumbs up to coachie.

  • I can only say congrats to Dessers and kingsley for their invitations! Oga Rohr will always be oga Rohr.

    • Edoguy 4 years ago

      What of the other young man that plays for Club Brugge (Dennis Bonaventure)

      • Paschal 4 years ago

        Dennis Bonaventure is injured at the moment

      • ChrisB 4 years ago

        Dennis is currently injured.Picked up an injury against Man U.in their Europa League 1st leg game in Belgium

  • Wise naija 4 years ago

    The coach has done a fair job. Let us wish him all the best.

  • Omo9ja 4 years ago

    I’m not surprised and nothing new about coach Rohr.

    These are the best goalies our world class coach can get for the Super Eagles? Oh wow, this is very embarrassing.

    Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

    I’m not going to celebrate the inclusion of Dessers yet because no assurance that the coach is going to let play in those encounters.

    I have learned my lessons from coach Rohr in Egypt. In took Onyekuru to that tournament but in the end we saw what he did to him.

    Hmmmm, this is why I said half Amunike, Yobo and other ex players are better than this our world class coach.

    You can challenge me the way you like but when the result is out, you have no place to hide your face.

    NFF, we are watching so closely. Ire o. God bless Nigeria

    • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

      Ooohhh…Pele…it is paining you that your Fanendo ADI and Fatai Alashe was not invited abi…?

      You are free to name any better and more experienced Nigerian Goalkeepers anywhere in the world.
      Akpeyi has 8 clean sheets, 5 player of the month and 6 man of the match awards this season. Ezenwa has 6 sheets and has been consistent for Heartland. Okoye has just been promoted to Fortuna 1st team and is gradually developing into a capable pair of hands.

      Keep switching colours up and down like a chameleon. Lolz. All of a sudden even the Okoye that you used to make noise about is no longer a good goalkeeper…??? Shior.

    • Oakfield 4 years ago

      “When the result is out you’ll have no place to hide ur face”. These are your words yet again against Mr rohr and his team. I’ll exhume it when the time is ripe, when you’ll start denying that u never wished the tean bad all bcos of your bad belle. Don’t worry, your evil plans and thoughts against Mr rohr and his team shall never materialize. You shall be the one that will be put to shame.

      • Omo9ja 4 years ago

        Well, section 3030 of my constitution says show me who your friends are and I will tell you what you are. Hmm… like Dr. Drey like Oakfield lolz.

        Young men listen, both of you still have a lot to learn.

        Out of the three goalkeepers, only Okoye deserves to be among the team but coach Rohr is not bold enough to risk Okoye for both of them and Coach keep saying he is building the team for the future.

        How many years do both of you think Akpayi and Ezenwa have left in football? Okoye should be given a chance.

        I hope both of you still remember how Enyeama started?

        Our local coaches did well and provided us a world class goalie that you and I were proud of.

        I can see the same stuff with Okoye.
        Akpayi is not for the Super Eagles.
        He has been doing well in South Africa but how would you compare club side to the national team?

        Same thing applies to Ighalo. Both men are very good at their club sides but they were never Super Eagles materials.

        I will educate you both on this.

        Can Oga Rohr bench Akpayi Nigeria the most experienced goalie and Ezenwa for Okoye? If the answer is no, then we don’t have a coach then.

        That Okoye is the best we have right now. He was very confident against Brazil and compared that to Akpayi against Argentina and tell me if he, Akpayi deserves to be in that team with his fine form?

        NFF sacked Imama but putting Agu on hold for what?

        With Amaju in charge of our sport, this is what we are going to be getting.

        Winning against S/Leone is not negotiable.

        I can’t wait to see new Eagles. We have the players and goalkeepers that can get the job done but what is keeping Oga Rohr waiting is what I don’t know.

        As a Nigerian, I want to celebrate with our Super Eagles team always.

        Fellow Nigerians, if Oga fails to sub at the right time, to introduced right players at the right time, it is the right time to tell NFF to let Oga Rohr knows what we wanted from him. Enough of excuses. Hmm…. ire o.

        God bless Nigeria!!!

        • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

          Hahahaha….u need a slot in ‘Night of a thousand laughs’ comedy show.

          22 minutes against Brazil is what made Okoye the best Nigerian goalkeeper available….lolz….22 minutes of zero saves, 2 goalline clearances by the defenders (one by Awaziem and one by Ajayi, with Okoye completely missing) and some routine loose ball catches is what makes Okoye the best Nigerian goalkeeper available….over 25 goals conceeded in the 4th division and zero clean sheets…is what makes Okoye the best Nigerian goalkeeper available….even his club has not given him opportunity to man the goal posts for the first team in competitive matches yet…..but he’s your best Nigerian goalkeeper available. LMAO.

          O boy pls pass me that thing you are drinking.

          • Stop trolling people’s comments, it’s their opinion.
            Simply make your own comments.

          • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

            ….and then…?? Why are you trolling mine…? Am I not simply making my own comments too…? Or who appointed u chief whip of the parliament…?

            If my comments are putting you so badly on the edge, you have two options…. delete them or pass.

  • Ndubuisi 4 years ago

    A good least, all merited their call up. Rohr you are simply the best. Let’s go there!

  • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

    Hehehehehe….The list is finally out.

    Let those who have a problem with it wait for their turn to become SE coach. Then they can invite 11 debutants, 23 wingers and 1 goalkeeper to prosecute their qualifiers.

    Otherwise THE COACH has once again dropped a very balanced list by every ramification as usual.

    Looking forward to another six points in the bag and qualification with 2 games left once again.

  • Wow!…what I first noticed in Ehizibue’s game is the speed..the guy is so fast!
    @ Omo9ja, you are free to support Sierra Leone that day. I used to pity u since u have been having failed efforts to Sack Rohr. Sorry bro…it’s a pity.

  • GLORY 4 years ago

    For sure, Rohr truly n truly,knows what he is doing. This is a super balance team. Anyone crying foul, can cry forever, I care less. Ejuke is a fantastic player who likes to have the ball all the time, so coming into the team now, where there are other established players, who also likes to have the ball all the time will not help his SE carrier. He n others like Ademola lookman, Ejaria etc are sure bet for the SE in no distant future. Solid list n won’t fail to welcome back the Trojan horse Leon Balogun, n looking forward to see the effervescent Alexander D king Iwobi, my Wazza dazzler Chuzzy, the brave warrior Aribo, and oh… bienvenue Monsieur Dessers. … Infact I can go on n on. God bless Rohr,God bless SE, n GOD bless Nigeria.

  • Ololo 4 years ago

    I wonder why people are complaining about shehu, balogun and musa.. These are players who have been with rohn from his day1, they understand his style perfectly well.. This is a qualification match, where there are only few days of training sessions, do you think this period is when you have lots of new players coming in. No coach tries that in the world. It is not done, you don’t bring too many strangers when you don’t have the time for much training of players. He brought in two new players, yet Nigerians wanted more.. The balogun people are complaining is presently on the team of the week in championship.. He only joined wigan few weeks back, a team close to relegation, but with him they are not lost a single match.

    • GLORY 4 years ago

      @ Ololo ignore such people. They know next to nothing about football or even if they know, their self interest might have beclouded their sense of reasoning. Balogun remains top quality, n I have been saying it here, that him being constantly overlooked at Brighton was never for football reasons. To God be the Glory he is already proving his class at Wigan. How else can anyone explain a player who before he joined Wigan didn’t play competitive football for nearly a year but now in the team of the week. Quality is what those who have eye for football look out for n not necessarily game time which is now being politicised as well manipulated by managers, agents n even amongst players themselves.

  • Oakfield 4 years ago

    Killer squad!!! What else do I have to say???? This is what happens when u have a coach that Is not egunje minded. Everybody is picked on merit. You lose form, u get drpped, u recover form, u get called back. Just as simple as that. Welcome back balogun, kelechi and the newbies on the block.

  • Ayphillydegreat 4 years ago

    Very balanced list with two new invitees that are there on merit and form. All we need is 4 points from both legs and we’re in AFCON next year with two games to spare. That way some new players like Ejuke and other eligible prospects can be called upon for the remaining two matches against Lesotho and Benin republic. I like the recall of Balogun and Iheanacho. Balogun’s experience is very vital for the defense and Iheanacho can provide some spark in attack depending on the formation. The attacking trio of Dessers, Osimhen and Iheanacho have contributed 60 goals so far this season. Iheanacho 8 goals 4 assists. Dessers 18 goals 6 assists. Osimhen 18 goals 6 assists. The Sierra Leoneans must really be on guard. Looking forward to 6 points in the bag with two games to spare, but we mustn’t take our opponent lightly. #FLY LIKE AN EAGLE INTO THE FUTURE# 

  • mercy 4 years ago

    Good list. Rohr has shown to Pinnick and many others on how to get the job done! You don’t have to take a selfie with a rookie and send the pics on internet before you prove to the whole world that you are working. Many do not see Kingsley Ehizibue invitation coming. I remembered that this guy was wanted at the time Tyronne Ebuehi was invited into the SE but his agent said the dutch national team handler see him as a bigger prospect than Ebuehi, hence it will be difficult to get him to play for NIgeria. I know Ejuke time will come as long as he consistence with his good performance with his club. Goodluck SE! Soar high!

    • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

      Hahahaha @ Mercy.
      You are really cranking me up here.
      Let them leave this man to do his thing…mba…all of them want to add the job of the coach to their own. Lolz…as if media noise, selfies and gragra is what does the job.

      When we tell them to be discreet, calm and act uninterested at times, they will almost tell us our mouth is smelling. GR said previously that chasing these kids is like wooing a girl, they thought he didn’t know what he was saying…some even called him a womaniser. LMAO

    • Thanks guys,you know very many soccer fans in this country suffers from short memory.
      Kingsley eligible was first invited along ebuehi and bazee, but injuries and unsettled club career meant both him and bazee had to go down the pecking order. Now that he’s settled it only makes sense that he’s invited to come and stake a claim for our wing backs & left winger position as he’s a utility player on the wings a left footer in the mould of Celestine Babayaro in his prime.
      Welcome king Kelechi,welcome General Balogun, welcome Dessers Da Bomber, welcome Fly-lieutenant Ehizibue and Welcome Super Eagles of Africa.

  • _ Unity is King _

    After this squad list was released, one question came to my mind: how will Rohr keep members of the squad satisfied?

    It is perhaps one of the greatest task of all. Ex-internationals have often talked about how envy and jealous had stood in the way of success in teams in the past.

    These group of players should be grateful. It is an honour to be called up to represent ones fatherland. Many footballers will never even smell national team invitation, let alone be considered for match day squads.

    The players are all consummate professionals and they will do their reputation good is they continue to act as one regardless of how the match day squads look.

    It is my prayer that Rohr rotates the squad for the matches in such a way that each player would still feel valued.

    Key Rivalries:

    Iheanacho vs Osimhen: Iheanacho was at one time the favoured point-man for Rohr. The youngster lost his way for club and country however, his career is now back on track and he will be hoping to claim back what was once his.

    Osimhen, for his part, is undoubtedly the darling of Super Eagles fans. Hardly 3 weekends will pass without his performances in France putting joy in the hearts of Super Eagles fans.

    Going for his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, one of these lads will have to sit it out on the bench! Which will it be?

    Balogun vs Ajayi: having been around since the days of late Great Keshi, Leon Balogun would see himself as somewhat of one of the senior members of the squad.

    His career that seemed buried at Brighton has now woken up in Wigan where this battle played out last weekend against Semi’s West Brom with Balogun prevailing.

    Will Balogun do a double on Ajayi by relegating the ruthless goal scoring defender to the bench in the Super Eagles?

    Awaziem vs Kingsley: after Shehu’s injury and Ebuehi’s unavailability, Rohr looked on to Awaziem (a centre defender by trade) to step into the right fullback position.

    Awaziem hardly disappointed.

    Now, there is a new kid on the block in Kingsley Ehizibue. The former Dutch youth International has been referred to as another version of Ebuehi: a defender who plays with poise, elegance and panache.

    If true; if Rohr decides to try Kingsley and he is indeed packed in all the flavours mentioned and more, Rohr might elect to stick with him which will make Awaziem feel like he would have been dropped like a sack of hot potatoes.

    Etebo vs Aribo: guess who is back? Peter Etebo. The on-loan Stoke midfielder was missing in the last couple of games.

    In his absence, Joe Aribo has taken his place with performances that have undoubtedly made Super Eagles fans fall head over heels in love with the Rangers man.

    Etebo (the one time midfield darling of Super Eagles fans in Russia 2 years ago) is now back. Etebo will like, will want, will expect to walk straight back into the starting 11.

    I think Rohr’s midfield can only accommodate one of the two. Which one?

    Rohr has truly transformed the Super Eagles into an exciting outfit. You look at any team list and you are gripped at just how quality the team looks across departments.

    The coaching crew now have to select the best of them in a manner that will not leave some aggrieved.

    • Good analysis. In the key rivalries you’ve espoused, the following should edge it in their respective contests: Victor Osimhen,Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Joseph Aribo.

      My conclusion is based on the fact Rohr will most likely be inclined towards sticking with those who have been regulars in the national team of late.I don’t see him doing much of a tinkering with his recently established starting 11 at the moment.

      But my crystal ball tells me Cyril Dessers will get a debut against Sierra Leone as a substitute.

      When qualification is already in the bag with some matches to spare,then we could get to see a somewhat wholesale tinkering.

    • @Deo, as it stands we can satisfy plenty of the rivalries over two matches, 180 minutes of game time. how? by starting the first match with the strongest possible side and beating them handsomely, thus allowing for multiple substitutions at the end of the first game or halfway through the second game.

      my priorities would be:
      1. maximum points
      2. Cap tying Dessers and Ehizibue, and
      3. trying out the second team from this squad.

      How would I lineup?

      First game, staring lineup:

      Akpeyi, Aina, Troost, Omeruo, Collins, Ndidi, Aribo, Iwobi, Simon, Osimhen, Chukwueze. Given 3 substitutions: Ehizubue for Collins (move Aina to LB) – 70 mins, Iheanacho for Osimhen (80 minutes) and Shehu for Ndidi (85 minutes for rest).

      Second match I would start with

      Akpeyi, Ehizibue, Balogun, Awaziem, Aina, Ndidi, Etebo, Aribo, Simon, Osimhen and Chuwueze. Dessers coming in for Osimhen in the last 5 minutes to cap tie him, again Shehu for Ndidi or Etebo depending on need and Troost coming in for Balogun in the last 10 minutes.

      All this depending on match score of course. 4 or 6 points would then see us qualify with 2 games to spare (against Lesotho at home and Rep Of Benin away) and give us the opportunity of seeing callups for Ejuke/Onyekuru/Ebuehi and maybe Ejaria (if clearance comes through) and possibly more game time for Iheanacho/Azeez/Ehizibue/Dessers in qualifying games and/or friendlies before AFCON proper

  • Chima E Samuels 4 years ago

    Coach did a good job as I acknowledged at first but he should have invited Ovie Ejaria in place of Shehu. Ejaria is too wise with the ball to be away from super eagles.

    We are waiting until he gets a bigger club and England will start chasing him by then we will start saying he is a bad person for not choosing Nigeria. Rohr shine your eye, Ovie, Eze, Saka, balogun Folarin, Zirkzikee, Faustino Anjorin. No dulling as for goal keeper Alampasu is back to Europe give him a look him to challenge other GK.

    • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

      Does Ejaria have a Nigerian passport…..? NO. Is he currently eligible to play for Nigeria…? NO. Has he filled an application to FIFA for an international switch…? Yes. Has he been cleared to represent Nigeria yet…? NO.

      I stand to be corrected tho.

      • Good response. This mirrors what I could have offered as response.

      • Chima E Samuels 4 years ago

        And where did you get info that Ovie’s switch has been submitted? How long does it take to switch allegiance? Kingsley also played for dutch u20 but we have him available already.

        I hope we are not fooled by someone whereas no switch for Ovie has been made. I need proof not hearsay just to prove a point.

        • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

          Where I got info of Ovie’s switch…? I got it from my mother’s cooking pot na…LMAO.
          I thought you once bragged you live in Europe where there is free internet and that you are close to top managers and football agents in Europe and shouldn’t be fellowshiping with low class ignorant ones like us on CSN….??? LMAO.

          Go and use you free internet to do your own research na….and also ask your top managers and football agents associates all these questions. LMAO
          He wants others to be digging info for him. Don’t worry…wait ehn…we dey come. When we have Qualified for 2022 WC…we will come back and check you.
          By the way, Kingsley didn’t play a COMPETITIVE MATCH for the Dutch U20. Use your “FREE INTERNET” well bro.

          • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

            Olodo…waste of school fees.

            Did the sites you read tell you Kingsley played competitive matches or has been previously cap tied to the Netherlands…???

            Do you even understand English at all….LMAO…do you understand what it requires to be cap tied to a particular country…? You have to play competitive matches for them. If you haven’t you can play for another country without applying for an international switch from FiFA….as in the case of Ehizubee and Dessers now. If you have done so (played competitively – qualifiers or a major FIFA approved tournament) at junior level like the likes of Ovie, Saka and Eze, you will need to apply for a FIFA switch which often takes close to a year or more to get clearance. But once a player plays COMPETITIVELY at senior level like Tammy has done, he cannot switch allegiance ever again.

            Get this into your empty good for nothing skull once again… Kingsley has never played COMPETITIVE MATCHES for any country before. He only played a friendly match for Netherlands U21 against Serbia in 2016. Hence he didn’t need a FIFA clearance.

            transfermarkt.com/kingsley-ehizibue/nationalmannschaft/spieler/272812/verein_id/11944

            allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=35488

            Go and throw away those bought certificates you have and go back to school.

            It’s obvious that you can barely read or comprehend basic English….LMAO

        • Chima E Samuels 4 years ago

          Drey you foolish die now I know how you cook stories because on no date have I seen  on any website that Ovie’s switching is on course, you and cute prince are cooking that news. Hmmm wonders will never end when a mad man wants to win a case he will carry dustbin along just to make his protest work!

          • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

            Hahahaha….Senseless goat.
            I have been waiting for this….I knew you will arrogantly come out to show your ignorance and oversabi attitude as usual.

            completesports.com/nff-begins-moves-to-secure-ovie-dessers-nigeria-allegiance-switch/

            Read that link.

            I know the next thing you will say as usual when your lies have found you out is that complete sports is a fake site….LMAO

            I will wait for you to disgrace yourself again…and then I’ll shut u up with other facts and links as usual.

            He whom the gods want to put to shame they first strike with pride.

            Arrogant fool…!

            Mr ‘I have access to free’ internet….Lmao

          • Dr. Drey 4 years ago

            “…..There are valid reports the NFF is trying to convince both Ejaria and Dessers to switch international allegiance to Nigeria and have filed their applications to the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA)…..” © CSN January 2020.

            Hehehehehe Uncle cannot talk again o…LMAO

            That was how he arrogantly argued the other day that Inter and Tottenham never tried to sign Ighalo on transfer deadline day. Lolz.
            Alpha and Omega…Anything he is not aware of does not exist…LMAO

            I can help you disgrace yourself further if you need me to….. in that regards, I’m always at ya service…Lolz

  • A good list of call-ups by most standards.I love that Cyriel Dessers finally earns his much-clamoured invite and kingsley Ehizibue too.

    The returning duo of Leon Balogun and Kelechi Iheanacho warms the heart.

    I’m gladdened by the fact Shehu Abdullahi is atlast being recognized as a midfielder in Nigeria,the position he plays for his club.

    We need to scout wider for more goalkeepers. We appear thin in that department.There are Goalkeepers of Nigeria origin in Europe that could be sounded out for auditioning.

  • @Deo I rather go with a 4-4-2 to optimize the use of our very inform forwards
    Gk. Any
    Rb. Ehizibue, Cb. Oyibo wall, Lb. Aina

    Rm. Chuzy. Cmf. Ndidi,Aribo, Lm. Iwobi

    CF. King Kelechi. St. Osim-scorer

    Subs.
    Df. Ajayi (if need be)
    Mf. Kalu/Musa or etebo(depending on tactics & match situation)
    Att. Dessers(for his debut)

    • Nice…..

      • We can still go with 4-5-1 though, still with iwobi on the left and kele playing Am. Just behind Osimhen with chukwueze on the right, where the trio behind osimhen can inter-change positions with ndidi as Dmf and Aribo as cmf. My wingbacks remain as above with Ajayi paring Ekong as libero and sweeper respectively
        With any of the Gks as icing on the cake

        • Ayphillydegreat 4 years ago

          Very solid line up @cuteprince. I’d really like to see Iheanacho and Osimhen paired together upfront to link up to devastating effects. Dessers can come in for either of them as the game progresses. I think Awaziem will retain the right back spot while Ehizibue probably gets his chance in the return leg. Rohr might want to stick with the Ajayi/Ekong combo to see how they’ve both progressed together. It’s just tough to see Omeruo and Balogun on the bench. That’s how competitive this current SuperEagles under GR have become. In fact any one that makes the first 11 surely deserves it. 

          • JimmyBall 4 years ago

            @Philly the great… sorry to say but Leon Balogun and Semi Ajayi are our best central defence pair though yet to be tried together… Ekong as a defender is clearly suspect in crunch games… I have never really trusted that dude much even with his seeming persona of a no-nonsense defender… Balogun is a class above Ekong anyday… whwn fit Balogun is always a tidy central defender…

          • Ayphillydegreat 4 years ago

            JimmyBall I really love Balogun. He’s one of our best defenders since Joseph Yobo. However, Ajayi has scored some important goals for west brom so far this season, and Ekong playing in serie A is one of most high profile defender in Europe. Though there’s a possibility that we might go back to the Oyinbo wall if Balogun can remain consistent between now and the AFCON. Omeruo will most likely be the odd man out, but his experience will endear him to continue with the team while  Awaziem and Ajayi will always remain viable options. 

  • Collins id 4 years ago

    Anyways. Dr drey has already answered most of my reserved questions. But i dont see why musa is in the team for now believe he is distracting the team if i was rohr i will live him out of the qualifiers for now he can be invited to the afcon torneo if he is inform but for now he is not inform and he was also a mess at the last afcon. Ejuke is surpose to be in that team no matter anybodys abadabidi escuses. That guy is a world class player just like sterling if we are not fast i fear we might lose him to the netherlands bcos he is hotter than any netherland winger. Musa should have given him the chance as a team captain thats part of the sacrifice. Meanwhile i respect Rohr for the invitaton of ehizibue i never thought it was possible. Dessers is a gift from God. As for the goalkeeping department i will discharge ezenwa for austin ejide who is playing every week in isreal and he is more experienced at 34 and has made him self available. Tall and eligant goalkeeper rohr shouldnt have ignored him. Nevertheless still a very good team and i wish all of them goodluck up Naija.

  • My brother @Ayphillydegreat I’m robbing my palms in glee already like Capitan Unchino in Peter Pan,with my tongue fully out already Like Scooby-Doo in anticipation of the match and prospects of the talents at our disposal.
    Thank GOD, thank Rohr, and thank the Pinnick led board in advance for renewal of Rohr contract to finish a divine project!

  • JimmyBall 4 years ago

    …hmmm! Everyone seems to be a coach here calling names of players up and down. Let’s see the truth and speak it. We all saw what Peter Olayinka was able to do against Barcelona and Inter Milan in this season’s champions league… currently, no player in Super Eagles has the work rate of peter Olayinka, he is a good ball hustler and passer, in my opinion, he should be starting in Super Eagle’s left midfield, I don’t know why Rohr continues to ignore him… anybody who has played organised football like I do, will never overlook a player in the calibre of Peter Olayinka, another player that has sound quality and technique and can comfortably bench some starters is Junior Oluwafemi Ajayi of Al-Ahly. Egyptian National Team Players sit on the bench for him and yet like Peter Olayinka, he is hardly ever considered for call ups… I think this trend should stop, players should be invited on merit and ability… I do not even till date feel convinced about Alex Iwobi with all his exposure… Samuel Kalu should not have been summoned in this game because even though he is a good player, he needs to be playing in his club. I will like to see Peter Olayinka make our subsequent list and taken to Afcon 2021, he is not a player to be ignored in SE first eleven on merit… this is my humble opinion!

    • …meanwhile in another news, I think Joshua Zirkzee is very proud of his Nigerian roots also, the football boots he normally wears to train and play matches at Bayern has Nigeria & Netherlands flags embossed on it, that guy is actually very talented and intelligent on the ball. He is surely an asset if he considers Nigeria. Watch and pause video of link at 01:56 minutes and zoom in… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0mEm_CWXTg

    • GLORY 4 years ago

      My brother @ Jimmyball. See, coaches all over the world define the style of play of their team on how majority of the team play. Rohr seem to have come to realize that this present bunch of SE players, are very fast n quick with great speed, so players like Olayinka, Esiti, Ogu etc despite being very good players will struggle to fit in well, as their style will greatly affect the rhythm of play. These are some of the things fans don’t understand, hence they keep questioning why certain players don’t get invited. As for Junior Ajayi, you may have a point but I don’t expect anyone not to understand why Rohr quickly had to invite Dessers n Ehizugbe. These two players have other options national team wise, while Ejuke, Ajayi etc are already nigerians n potential SE players…

      • JimmyBall 4 years ago

        @Glory… Olayinka is not a slow player. Did you see his courage against Dortmund, Barcelona and Inter Milan? It’s unfair for you to mention a player like Olayinka in the same breath as Esiti and Ogu. If you are grounded and have played football at the highest level in Nigeria… You will know players like Olayinka are a coach’s dream… he has a lot of gas and very effective… in my Opinion he should start games ahead of Simon Moses and Alex Iwobi purely on merit!!!

        • GLORY 4 years ago

          @ Jimmyball, drop Moses Simon or Iwobi for who? Olayinka? Are you for real? or just going personal against both players. You seem to be double dating yourself here, you thumbs down my comparing Esiti to Olayinka but again you seem to echo to high heaven that Olayinka has energy. But we all know that if it’s for energy n power, Esiti is far ahead of Olayinka but unfortunately energy without creativity/ productivity is just another song for the birds.

      • JimmyBall 4 years ago

        …inviting Ehizibue and Dessers is ok. It’s high time we drop quota system… Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi are good, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that there are beter players to shut those two out… I wont hate a player for making his money but I think with the kind of weak competition Ahmed Musa particularly is getting in Saudi Arabia, it’s time he faces his club career squarely and begins to retire rom the national team as he has paid his dues and new blood competing in serious leagues are now sprouting up everywhere…

  • Larry 4 years ago

    I think selecting players who are not playing regularly for their team at the expense of regulars is not fair.
    If Balogun and Kele could be excused from SE for lack of regular action, why would the case of Kalu be an exemption ?
    Also, the GK department needs total overhauling..

    • Mercy 4 years ago

      Samuel Kalu played the last two Bordeaux matches. Going as far as 90 minutes in those two matches.

      • …well, Samuel Kalu is a good player any day especially when fit but we must find a way to squeeze in Junior Ajayi and Peter Olayinka… Ajayi is the best header of any Nigerian forward today, and Peter Olayinka is a finished product… mind you Slavia Prague is a big European club and he is a regular arguably the best player in that team.

        • Mr Hush 4 years ago

          @Jimmyball

          I must say, I respect Junior Ajayi and Peter Olayinka as quality.
          Every team would be improved to have them; it only shows how much quality the Super Eagles have for them to be exempted.

          why I might agree with you on both ability , the fact is, there is simply no space , we can only call so many.
          I dare say, those right there are simply better more so due to their longstanding with the project at end and by their positive past precedents.
          Do you think Ajayi is better than Osimhen, Dessers or Iheanacho?
          Even if Ajayi is a good leader of the ball, the above are all round better in the striking position and their present numbers proves it.
          The fact that Junior Ajayi is benching Egyptian players in the Egyptian league tells the whole story. With respect to the Egyptian league is no where comparable to the leagues the above trio plays; besides, how many quality attack minded players do Egypt presently have apart from Trezeguet and the obvious, Salah.and both play in England.
          So Junior Ajayi is understandably excused.

          And in respect to Olayinka, you can’t really tell me he is a better player than Iwobi cause they both perform on different spheres. No matter Iwobi’s shortcoming , he has simply done the job for the Super Super Eagles when called upon. Iwobi does produce an assist atleast in every 2 games played. Not forgetting he is threat also going forward as a goal scorer. The fact that Iwobi is well suited to the team fast play gives him the head.
          Not taking anything from Olayinka, I fancy he has better chance of making the Super Eagles than the aforementioned, Junior Ajayi;but that said,I think most fans fancy an Ejuke , Ovie right now rather than Olayinka. We have to also add that, the coach has actually had Olayinka in camp before, maybe he saw something we didn’t see.we never know.
          Right now, let’s be supportive of the players invited right now. They are good enough to do the job.
          Just my take

  • xhuxhu 4 years ago

    Rohr and his team lists.Very nice call up list. I am particularly impressed by Dessers, Kingsley,Iheanocho and Balogun’s call up.Shehu has done enough to be called up but the Captain Musa,I believe is on the list based on the experience he will offer. My Dear Brothers, i wonder how formidable this team will look when Ovie Ejaria, Ademola Lookman and possibly Zirkzee’s change of nationality is approved by FIFA..Ewooooh!

  • Stop listing names of fail player for Godsake when will nigeria be only inviting player from top leagues and club. Honestly Musa, shehu, Ezenwa has nothing to do with this team, the should go an join a top club or play in a top league period. I even prefer english championship or Scottish league pls ooooooo. This low leaque players are making the super eagles not to be marketable n attractive, first thing top team others look at the list of your players thier teams n where the play

    • GLORY 4 years ago

      Top teams should go to blazes, it’s Nigeria that bothers us n not some sick English or Scottish League. If you are good, you are good irrespective of league.

      • Sis or bros have you witness fifa player rating and marketability index , if you don’t visit fifaindex.com and see the category our players belong and know why the are not marketable n attractive

        • GLORY 4 years ago

          We should be more concerned about making the sum total of our football enterprising, which must start helping, in attracting investors into our local league n not narrowing things down to individual players profile. That’s selfish. We should start seeing big pictures, which an envisaged loved brand SE can impact on our local league football instead of limiting our vision to monetary benefits that may come from one individual player moving to a supposedly top league/team.

          • All what am saying is the sum of players marketability to it attraction is proportional to the attraction of super eagle an a team n brand,which will bring ease of attracting high profile friendlies on a 50,50 basic. Pls let us all visit FIFAINDEX.COM and vote and like our players template so to attract scout an agent an also improve their rating for a better fifa ranking for the SE. Note a lot of managers, club scout go to the hidden paradise website of fifa to scout over players with the higher vote, and template likeness. Brazil, Argentina and European countries are currently topping the vote spree. Let visit fifaindex.com and used our Nigeria social media ability to like and comments on our players module/ template as true fans. Thankyou

  • That Ovie Ejaria, hmmmm…his talent dey fear me, d boy dey ball like Senior Bros Okocha..imagine a 3-5-2 formation
    Ehis Ekong Balogun
    Ndidi
    Ejaria Iwobi
    Chukwueze Ejuke C.
    OsiMhen Dresser

    The problem will b watching them, neck ache,…the game go too fast ….

  • greenturf 4 years ago

    @ JimmyBall,i can understand your clamour for two very impressive players in Ajayi Junior and Olayinka Peter both who have shown like a million stars in the Egyptian and European champions leagues respectively.
    Having said that,you should note that,the gaffer has seen both players play at close range when they were invited to the super eagles at some point and one of them the later had a cameo against Brazil in our last friendlies.
    Ajayi Junior has not done his chances any justice by still playing in the Egyptian league where defenders are not as good as those plying their trade in the elite European leagues,so his performances could easily get overlooked simply because of this factor besides if he stood tall in the Egyptian league scouts in Europe should have taken notice.I know a few players from that same league that moved to Europe and are bona fide players of the Egyptian national team.
    Peter Olayinka was amazing in the champions league in fact i followed him up while in the Belgian league,he was a phenomenal athlete.However,he has gone quiet lately,besides a move to a more glamorous league coupled with good performances will swell his chances.
    Meanwhile,i believe Rohr and his team of scouts follow the weekly performances of this players and those invited are there purely on merit.Though a couple are there because of their vast experience and have set high standards with the national team.

    • JimmyBall 4 years ago

      …@Greenturf, Amunike played for Zamalek and went on to Barcelona. Egyptian league is sound… Rohr Simply does not like some players… take Simmy Nwankwo.

      • greenturf 4 years ago

        @ JimmyBall,back in the day when few Africans were privileged to wear the strips of European teams,a club like Zamalek could well be described as a big club but not in this day and age i’m afraid.

        • Ayphillydegreat 4 years ago

          In 80s and early 90s playing in the Egyptian league was fascinating back then. In fact playing in the Ivorian league too then was a step forward in a players career as we have Rashidi Yekini and Ben Iroha playing for the renowned Africa Sports at the time. Even playing in the Nigerian league back then when our league was on fire was a big deal at the time. But my brother that was 30 plus years ago. Times have moved on that even if our league is organized today our best players as far as the SuperEagles of today is concerned are based in Europe. We’ve simply moved on from local league players going to leagues in Latvia or Estonia. Most of our top prospects are coming out from various academies across the country. Such cases are the likes of Iheanacho, Ndidi, Ramon Azeez, Moses Simon, Samuel Kalu and co who all came through the academies before moving to Europe after representing Nigeria at youth level. #FLY LIKE AN EAGLE INTO THE FUTURE#

  • All what am saying is the sum of players marketability to it attraction is proportional to the attraction of super eagle an a team n brand,which will bring ease of attracting high profile friendlies on a 50,50 basic. Pls let us all visit FIFAINDEX.COM and vote and like our players template so to attract scout an agent an also improve their rating for a better fifa ranking for the SE. Note a lot of managers, club scout go to the hidden paradise website of fifa to scout over players with the higher vote, and template likeness. Brazil, Argentina and European countries are currently topping the vote spree. Let visit fifaindex.com and used our Nigeria social media ability to like and comments on our players module/ template as true fans. Thankyou

  • I’m really with oga rohr on this, very good and formidable team. Cameroon here we come.

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