Technical Adviser Augustine Eguavoen has called up Captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong, midfielder Wifred Ndidi and forwards Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho in a Super Eagles’ provisional list of 32 for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off round against the Black Stars of Ghana.
Also called up are goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Daniel Akpeyi, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Abdullahi Shehu, midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and forwards Victor Osimhen, Odion Ighalo and Samuel Chukwueze.
Leicester City FC of England forward Ademola Lookman, recently cleared by FIFA to switch international allegiance and former U17 World Cup star Akinkunmi Amoo are officially called for the first time, while defender Calvin Bassey and forward Emmanuel Dennis return to the fold of the three –time African champions.
2021 AFCON forwards Taiwo Awoniyi and Peter Olayinka, defender Chidozie Awaziem and long-time absentee Ogenyi Onazi are in a seven-man standby list.
The camp opens in Abuja on 21st March, with a 24 –man final list for the two big games to be released at a later date.
Read Also: 2022 W/Cup Playoff: CAF Releases Dates, Venues Of Final Qualifiers
Nigeria take on Ghana in the 20,000 –capacity Cape Coast Sports Stadium as from 7.30pm on Friday 25th March, with the reverse leg set for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, 29th March as from 6pm. The winner over two legs will earn one of Africa’s five tickets to the 22nd FIFA World Cup finals, scheduled for 14th November – 18th December this year in Qatar.
FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Defenders: Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Calvin Bassey (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Akinkunmi Amoo (FC Copenhagen, Denmark)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford FC, England); Ademola Lookman (Leicester City, England)
Standby: Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Peter Olayinka (SK Slavia Praha, Czech Republic); Ogenyi Onazi (Al-Adalah FC, Saudi Arabia
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COMMENTS
This list is a disgrace – a memento of tribalism, sycophancy, nepotism and naked incompetence. I hope the Super Eagles get punished for these crimes against humanity
@ako amadi what do you mean? This is about give or take the best players Nigeria can boast at the moment.
Not totally pleased with the list. Though I must commend the technical crew for the inclusion of Kelvin Bassey and Amoo. The like of Plisa Ndah ought to be there too. Also, the nff should try to give other players a chance. We can’t have Musa and Ighallo at the same time in this current team, how do u invite a player that their chances of playing is very slim.
Why does Ndah ‘have to be there’?
What has he done to warrant being on the list?
He is not (and has never been) in the upper echelon of the very best Nigerian defenders, so why again must he be on the list???
This is the time to give chance but a time to perform, world cup qualifications is at stake here between Nigeria and Ghana the best legs must serve the father land.
What’s crime against humanity in inviting some players and ignoring others . So because your players are not invited therefore Nigeria should lose . Egu is in charge and so he has the right to invite any players he chooses
Lol.. Baba say na Crimes against humanity. Lol
Oya oo,food don land! Pls o wetin onazi dey find here again? Something dey really smell! Balogun and etebo still dey recuperate,no biz in this team for now! Otherwise,kudus to the team handlers for listening to us. If we no beat Ghana with this squad. Hmmmm hmmm hmmm
I thought Onzi retired from foot ball
l am so happy about the obvious invitation to our young & strong Amoo Akin and Bassey. God Bless Egua (palace) for inviting Paul Onuachu as well. However, l should have thought that Onazi has since retired from active football. Where was he exhumed from? How much bribe did he pay to be in the list? No basket shaa. Ha ha. Ghana is in trouble. Why? because Amoo Akin is playing.
Almost faultless list except adding Musa and dropping Ejuke to the standby list. Great job to the crew. Best wishes to Nigeria
This list released by coach Cerezo is the collection of best of Nigerian footballers home and broad. It will
be a strong battle for starting shirts among the players in every department of the team. I can only pray for our players to be injury free before the week of the matches.
We’ve been clamouring for Kelvin Bassey invitation and here we have it before us. May be Zaidu Sanusi might take the starting shirt ahead of him which won’t be a surprise to me cos of his experience, but I expect him to be given some minutes in one of the two-legs.
My only worry is our goal keeping department where am not that comfortable with Okoye as our number one. But with the look of things and happenings, we have other option since Uzoho is not a regular at his club side. We all have to give Maduka Okoye some encouragement and moral support.
Best list.
Hmmm!1 Ejuke or even Awoniyi Dropping for Musa wey no go even feature, If una like tear ma head off I no send but, na big disgrace be dat Captial B!!! na wa o!!!. okay o
Musa for Ejuke???? And wtf is Onazi doing there when we have other serious contenders in that position lol……Awaziem on standby? I think Awaziem is better than Semi Ajayi but whatever….Goodluck to the eagles and honestly this list was released a little but too early. Ghana’s coach will have time to do a player by player analysis and they havent even released their’s…..
Their list came out yesterday
Thanks for the correction bro. I didn’t know that. I hope we score atleast in the first leg. Goalless draw is not good.
Nigeria no get players again. Na the best we fit offer. No too much ones wey them call and the ones wey them no call. You can’t drop Musa wey don taste world cup twice for Ejuke wey wan use eagles take audition for scouts. Musa’s presence alone na ginger for the team.
Awaziem is a very good player and should be brought in from the standby list for injured Troost -Ekong in central defence by the coaches. Thanks
Awaziem should be taken from the standby list for injured Troost-Ekong in Central defence. Thanks
So Onazi is now playing in Saudi League. Good to see that he’s still active. Nice list especially with the inclusion of Lookman and Amoo hopefully we secure the ticket over Ghana. It won’t be easy but it’s achievable.
CURRUPTION NDON START AGAIN OOO !!!
*** WHAT OGENYI ONAZI IS DOING IN SUPER EAGLE AGAIN WHEN WE HAVE UCHE AZUBUIKE.
*** WHAT IS WRONG WITH EJUKE FOR HIS NAME NOT TO BE IN MAIN LIST.
*** WHY STILL KEEPING A FITTED KELVIN AKPOGUMA OUT OF SUPER EAGLE LIST.
INFACT CORRUPTION & NO GO STOP IN NIGERIA.
However I am over the moon for Bassey, Dennis, Lookman and the return of Osibobo VO9 Osimhen!!!.. Also let us see what this Amoo kid can do. Chidozie Awaziem Dropping for Abdullahi Shehu What the hell is that??????
Awaziem deserves to be on this team and not on standby coach Eguavoen and Amunike. Thanks
just spoke my mind thanks
Our players in Russia/Ukraine are deservedly out…
Iwobi is only suspended for the first leg so his absence is called into questioning…
Why is Dele Bashiru not called up instead of old war horse Onazi?…
Why’s the Arsenal goalie Okonkwo not invited for grooming?…
From the available here’s my starting 11
…………. Okoye ………….
Shehu…Ekong…Ajayi…Bassey…
Lookman…Ndidi…Aribo…Simon…
…… Osimhen…..Ighalo …..
So with the current form of players, you think Shehu will bench Aina?
@Sunny thank you I saw his list and Shehu was the only one I opposed.. I think Aina should be there seeing as they have Left Awaziem out. Shehu not even supposed to be on list in all honesty
Guys be calming down na.. I did that on purpose shehu is back playing again whereas the reverse is the case with my 1st choice Aina who haven’t been playing since afcon that’s why
Thats why is a risk not inviting Awaziem. I don’t think every player was invited on merit or better still I don’t think there is any back up plan in case of unseen circumstances Awaziem as we know can play CB and RB Shehu has no business there for now
Ekong seems to have suffered a muscular injury in training and may possibly need to be replaced by Awaziem in central defence I believe.
Thanks
Stop this Okaye basket nonsense. Do you want Nigerian fans kill him if he allows goals in by himself?? He is nothing but a basket-in-goal.
The list is not bad,I would have loved to see ejuke instead of Musa but since he is holding the team to random,we may have to wait till after after the world cup
HOMEBASE PLAYERS NO PAY BRIBE AGAIN FOR THEIR NAMES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE LIST.
For the goalkeepers department I know team goalies are as good as their GK trainers… Ericco pionetti made ezenwa a decent GK look world-class when ikeme retired… What is Agu doing with the talented young goalkeepers under his tutelage??
I think we should borrow a leaf from Rohr’s qualifications book… Go all out away cos the home team will least expect it and be conservative at home … That will do it against ghana
I would like to see the book. Guys Rohr was just fortunate to have a complete array of stars in the national team. Let him go else where and use his book there. And if he succeeds like he did with the super eagles, then i give him his props.
We are in dire need of in form defenders and Omo9ja’s Own is busy overlooking Kelvin Akpoguma …smh
Cerezo! Cerezo!! Cerezo!!! Hmmmmmmm
My starting 11 based on this list.
M. Okoye
O. Aina
T. Ekong
L. Balogun
Z. Sanusi
W. Ndidi
J. Aribo
K. Iheanacho
M. Simon
A. Lookman
V. Osimhen
Lookman is walking straight into SuperEgales 11. I might bring in Etebo for Aribo if fully fit or push him up to replace Iheanacho while Dennis Ighalo Musa and Sadiq can provide options from the bench.
You sabi ball wella. The team is balanced with skill, vision, tenacity and physicality.
I hope they take their goal scoring chances in Cape Coast, that could prove vital. Wasting of goal scoring chances can hurt any good team
We don’t have good creative midfield, that’s the problem with super eagles team
D problem is how to use them rightfully
@Ay I see you’ve gone for consistency in a 451 like Rohr’s that’ll be interesting too…
Cheers!
Jimmy, Drey and Drop I’m waiting
Verdict for Ghana:
4:3:3
Gk okoye
Defender
Ola Aina, Balogun, Ekong, Sanusi Zaidu.
Midfielders
Winifred Ndidi, Joe-Aribo, (Frank Onyeka/Amoo Akinkunmi)
Attackers
Emmanuel dennis, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simeon
And DEO I mean, pompei, greenturf where you guys at?
No iwobi! Why na.? Is it because of the penalty at the last Afcon. He deserves to be in the team ahead of onazi, shehu and every other player on the standby list.
He is playing regularly at his clubside. So you mean to tell me that inexperienced Amoo is better than Iwobi and he will play in the games. Lets wait and see.
At least, most of the players I expected to be invited are in the team. Dennis, lookman, calvin, sadiq are all there. The central defence is still an issue unless Leon balogun can spring a good surprise and be fit enough for the games. Etebo is match rusty not sure he will take part. Should have invited players like alhassan for Etebo and Raphael for Frank. Its obvious that it will be Aribo and Ndidi that start at midfield, so why not bring in these young men and see what they can do even if they dont get to play.
Looking forward to a Lookman, Osimhen and Dennis combination up front. Big number 9, sadiq umar will be on the subs waiting for his time.
Collins is out of the team for now with the invitation of calvin and it may be for a while if calvin brings his A-game and skills to the Super Eagles team.
Okoye should be on the bench for the two games. Uzoho should start. So no other right full back again apart from shehu hmmm. To back up aina. What of the Orlando pirates guy?
He (Iwobi) deserves to be there ahead of Musa as well what sort of Rubbish? he is playing really well under Lampard and did very well against Manchester City!
He has a red card na
How do u expect them to call him
He is still suffering ban because of the red card, but it’s a one match ban
Iwobi got a red carf
Aside even that, lookman has taken his place.. please we don’t want another red card to come and spoil things for us.. LMFAO!
_ Is this list a good one? _
The Nigerian factor will always serve as a shadow cast upon any list released to prosecute Super Eagles matches. The prayer is always for the shadow not to be potent enough to cloud Nigeria’s path to success.
This latest provisional list to prosecute the gigantic battle for West African supremacy has its fair share of dubious shadows but it remains a competent squad capable of grabbing the solitary world cup ticket on offer should the team and its coaching crew remain focused, resolute and put to practice the lessons learnt from the recently concluded Afcon.
Despite the well documented shortcomings of Maduka Okoye, Daniel Akpeyi and Francis Uzoho, they are capable hands in their own rights if they get adequate cover, recovery and reinforcement from their defensive line.
Holding that defensive fort will be Ekong,Omeruo, Ola Aina and versatile Bassey who are all household names and center defenders of repute.
In the flanks, Zaidu, Bassey (again), Aina and Shehu should be able to withstand the onslaught of the Ghanaians whilst providing offensive crossing salvos when required.
Noteworthy is the fact that a number of our defenders a gracing benches but this in itself is not expected to numb their sharpness in the short term.
Nigeria’s midfield continues to be constituted by substance over style. Ndidi, Aribo and Etebo should bring much maturity to the fore to complement the exuberance of Amoo and positionally astute Onyeka.
The wings have Chukwueze, Simon, Dennis and Lookman as it looks like the crown jewels department of the Super Eagles. Should Dennis, Lookman and Simon bring their “A” game to the fore and effectively coalesce with the movements and intentions of colleagues around them, then Nigeria could be as formidable a force as any team in African football.
Love him or hate him, Odion Ighalo currently remains one of Africa’s most ruthless goals-poachers. A front 4 of Simon, Ighalo, Osihmen and Lookman with Dennis introduced later on should be too hot for any opposition to handle so long as they don’t neglect their defensive duties and responsibilities.
Ahmed Musa is a floater. His wealth of experience should help the Super Eagles glide through to victory with his now level headed approach and vision brought on by years of experience.
Regardless of the type of formation utilized, if these players can function like a well oiled, well drilled machine, they will be indestructible. They have pace on the wings, precision in center attack, movements and passing range in midfield, world class defensive midfield cover, ability of attackers to funnel back for defensive coordinator, full back movements, center defensive acumen and goalkeeping exposure and awareness.
In the likes of Musa, Ighalo, Ekong, Balogun, Akpeyi and Omeruo they have valuable experience whilst Lookman, Okoye, Amoo and Bassey provide injection of youthful exuberance and energy.
It is not a list to cause any concerns. If properly managed, motivated and moulded they can bring home the holy grail.
Even with the Nigerian factor evident, there still remains no cause for alarm. What will be alarming is if such an elite collection of players fall short of expectations!
@ aphily..u think dey brought in ighalo to sit on the bench? Boss, adjust ur list and include ighalo cos he must start. U lineup make sense
Lol… Of cos Ighalo must start. I suspect Iheanacho won’t. But his list is tight!
A good list to a large extent. But missing a player like Bonke. All the invited midfield players are carriers of the ball and there lies some vulnerability in defending stoutly. We need that orthodox defensive midfielder whose major job is destroying opponents build up play as well as tackling hard, sitting deep in front of the back four,without moving into the opponents half too often. Haven searched thoroughly, I can only see Bonke has the perfect fit for that job at the moment. He was the main reason SE were able to nullify Cape Verde attack during that away match qualifiers. These kind of players do jobs that only those with eagle eye will truly appreciate. All the same we look forward to a really good match.
The surprising thing is that Bonke is not even on standby but Onazi is.
Bonke was the name that should be in the main list but not found even on standby.
Innocent Bonke is better than Onazi. How come Bonke is not even on the standby list? Coaches Eguavoen and Aunike should note that is omission seems to be a blunder.
@Glory… I want to thank you for the comment and mention of Bonke. That guy is the reason we lept ahead of Cape Verde to this stage of playoffs now. He is the only effective destroyer we have at the moment. Like you said… only ones with eagle eye will know what a dude like Bonke brings into play. The moment I saw the list my mind jumped to him and I would say I was really surprised he was left out…
Thank you so much for this comment. I have actually mentioned something of this nature on this forum. We were wondering how there was stability in the team against cape verde. Then against CAR before he entered in that match Onyeka was seriously struggling, immediately he was introduced CAR couldn’t play anything anymore. Bonke is the definition of blocking four. Is the best backup we have for Ndidi and he will make a good combination with Ndidi in a match that you want to lock the midfield and defense like a world cup game when you are playing a fast team, just play 2 of them in defensive role and put a good 10 ahead of both of them. Am assuring you you will be happy for doing that.
Innocent Bonke is better than Onazi. How come Bonke is not even on the standby list? Coaches Eguavoen and Aunike should note that is omission seems to be a blunder.
Well said Brotherman. Bonke na baller. He should be deputy to Ndidi every day of the week, twice on Sundays. He was great Against Cape Verde. Heaven bless Bonke and all deserving Super Eagles players.
There’s nothing like deputy. Both of them are Nigerians for Gods sake! If he outplays Ndidi then he should get the nod over him. It is this mentality that’s still keeping people like Musa in the National team.
It will be very very impossible for super eagles to win a trophy with selections filled with bribely, tribal and regional sentiment, lmao Onazi wants to resuscitate his career with super eagles. The money he paid only pushed him to the standby list. Next invitations he will improve his bribe to get to the main list and of course another inform talent will drop out for him. Summary of our Nation
It is a tactical list by every standard though Eguavoen had to tweak my list a little bit. Apart from not including the Hapoel Jerusalem goal tender, Adeleye, it is a winner’s squad. God bless Nigerians.
My brother, it is Nigeria they ask all of us to be discussing o. Jokes aside, this Mr. Eguavoen list is capable of winning the WC in Qatar.
Are you saying we have accepted Mr. Eguavoen to lead our own SE to Qatar? Only answer the question but know that the list is good.
Ah ah, ha ha ha ha, that one na long time ago. We are discussing the starting 11 now.
Wait wait wait is nobody noticing that Alex Iwobi is missing????
@Ugo, Man pickin no fit comment under your post again o. Pompei go stone me with abuse taya…. Lolzzzz. Man pickin go continue to take the high road sha. On Iwobi, he has red card that rules him out of at least one of the games. He should be back for future if Nigeria beats Ghana. Good list it you ask me but Onazi….. Hmmmm no comments o. I no abuse anybody o! Keep your shirt on o! Lolzzzz ZA ZA ZA ZA ZA
Heaven bless Onazi and all questionable additions to the Super Eagles standby list. Lolzzzz
@Igbekun Abo Lol hahahahaha!! no mind that @Pompei be like say the kaikai wey him dey consume on daily dey cloud him mind like say tomorrow no day again LOLZ!!!..
On Iwobi matter bros that Red card was a bribe Cameroon officials knew what they were doing in that Match you know what I mean. It was written a Cup in Cameroon can never go well for Nigeria. And to blame Iwobi for such a Soft red card is not fair. Moreover Iwobi form since AFCON has Improved he is one of the most inform Nigerian players at Present under Lampard. He supposed to be there on Merit. On Onazi Matter I tire o!!!
@Igbekun Abo but thanks for clarifying But is CAF red card still relevant in FIFA fixtures I just need some clarity on that?.
Is it not a fifa tournament?
In that case the list is good barring Shehu for Awaziem
BLOODY LIAR (Iwunze) and SHIT FULL YANSH (Igbekun Abo), how unu dey today?
Busy spreading lies and feces all over the forum as usual? Na wa for una ooo!
BTW, Igbekun Abo, your brother IGBEKUN OWO (SHIT FULL HAND) is on rampage in New York, carrying feces in plastic bags, and generously applying it to strangers’ faces!
Hahahahaha!
Iwobi is on suspension for the red card against Tunisia
One match ban, for the red card he received t the afcon
If you ask me, i think it is a fair list. Shehu is there due to the injury of Ebuehi. Otherwise i think he does not make the list.
I am happy to see the new boys lookman, Bassey & Amoo. It shows Egu is not afraid to make changes and is flexible.
The main surprise absentee in the list is Iwobi! That took some b*lls because Iwobi always makes the list except if he is injured.
Most players are there on merit, so kudos to the technical crew. For those who feel Musa should not be there kindly consider the fact that He is the captain of the team and he has been in decent form.
Also, i would have loved top see Adeleye but Uzoho should be able to hold forte.
Fair list so Iwobi who has grabbed the bull by the horn since returning from Afcon and Returned to first team action for Everton being dropped for Musa is Normal!!. For how long must this Musa be the bane of my existence???????? For How long GOD!! WHY???
This is how some of you o this forum talk out of point like say una sabi everything for life. It’s surprising that you don’t know Alex Iwobi is suspended from our matches against Ghana due to the direct red card he got against Tunings at the last AFCON.
I rarely make comments on this site as I prefer reading different opinions of others. It’s really difficult for me to ignore visiting this site any day apart from few days after our elimination from Cameroon 2021.
Let this a message to all of us here to be slow in response to people’s comments and views and also, we should make sure we write with facts Rather than emotions.
Mr. Ugo Iwunze, try to be accurate with your counter post anytime u deem it necessary to write.
I come in peace.
Thank you
The list is very OK, the players listed here should get the job done. Ensure you did not conceed away even if it is one goal our defender should be able defend it. I will prefer combination of semi ajayi and omeruo at the middle Ndidi, aribo and amao at the midle.
Ighalo should start with Denise and lookman at the flank.
Bring osi bobo in as subs then simon moses too, inclussion of these two is cable of breaking and recklying the already tired opponent.
@omo9ja will rubish this list now for desser that is not there.
Good list!!!
Where is Iwobi?
I think he is Suspended because of the Red Card Received in AFCON
Him won go cook pepper wey’in collect for AFCON.
Etebo has not played a single game in more than 6 months, yet he is considered ahead of regular midfielders Bonke, Nwobodo, Ejuke,Alhassan, Ejaria, Dele.
(Picnick 1)
Ighalo could not make a single contribution in his last match for SE yet he is considered ahead of Onuachu and Awoniyi (Picnick 2).
Onazi ahead of Bonke. Alhassan, Nwobodo,Ejaria, Dele
How on earth a striker that has scored 15 goals in 32 matches in a top 5 league is placed on standby for others who have not fared better.. He started 3 matches for Eagles scored 1 and made 1 assist yet he is placed on standby for a Sunday-Sunday Striker..
Ighalo.Etebo and Onazi have no business in this team. Cerezo, you need to keep Picnic out of your business.
Folks we ask Coach Eguavoen and it’s good we are discussing it. Good list as some have alluded. Going forward, let’s discuss our 1st & 2nd Eleven players. Cheers!
My first eleven are.
Uzoho, Ekong, Balogun, Aina, Zaidu, Amoo, Aribo, Etebo, Osimhen, Odion and Moses.
My A list for the Technical Adviser, Austin Eguavoen:
Goal Keeper…. Akpeyi
In defense.. Balogun, Ekong, Aina, Sanusi Zaidu
MidField…. Amoo, Etebo, Aribo
Forwards: Odion, Osimhen, Moses
My guy, I also think Akpeyi should be reinstated as number one. For all his foibles, he is clearly the most experienced and most accomplished shot stopper of the 3.
Akpeyi had not started a single match for his club in a long time now, same story with Uzoho………so bro you are stuck with Maduka
So it’s Mr. Eguavoen that is taking Nigeria to the World cup in Qatar? That has been accepted coupled with his list. The only missed on the list is Frank Onyenka, that lad is always running around the pitch aimlessly.
They must of heard me because this is a good list, as long as Okoye doesn’t start its even better. No bad relegated defenders Chidozie Awaziem, Jamilu Collins and bad midfielder Chidera Ejuke. A nice list of good solid defenders, diversity among players. This team looks like its representing Nigeria. Wish Olayinka and Awoniyi could of been set on the team.
One thing. It only goes to show that Nigerians are very satisfied with his list. It is only a matter for time for the Eguavoen team to rule the world of football. Good luck SE.
On the coach Austin Eguavoen list, playing Osimhe, Ighalo and Lookman in the attack will be just fine. At the middle, Amoo, Aribo and Etebo could be defensive and offensive distributing passes in an upward projection, Nwakali is off. The defense should be spare headed by Ekong with support from Balogun Sanusi and the tested Aina. For the goal area, I have a problem with the invitation extended to the basket, called Okoye. The Hapoel Jerusalem safe hand, Adeyele should’ve taken that slot. But be as it may, Uzoho should man the post for the interim.
Uzoho?? Why not Akpeyi.
Good list, my only reservation is the inclusion of Abdulahi Shehu and leaving Akpoguma behind. Good luck boys
Shaa, whether is Odion, Osimhen, Moses or lookman capable and trusted to score against Ghana, no problems. Egu should ensure there is an Amoo in the midfield. That guy is better there than the flanks. Good luck eagles as we wait to discuss Eguavoen’s final list.
You are funny. So na which person list you wan discuss before?
So long as it is the list.
That is the final list at Ndubest as it is 23 or 24 . And standby as well what you see are the players to persecute the games unless 1 drops from the main list. Which should be no other that Shehu but with this current government it might be someone we least expect
@Samuel, nothing to add. That is a sure team any day.
Who is supposed to be in list on current form that is missing?
Why Eguaveon and Amunike did not invite Our Germany defender Apoguma we suffer so much to convince to play for Nigeria? Do you think that guy will be happy inside him and his a centreldefender and can play anywherein defence ? It will discourage other foreign born players to think twice before they they play for 9ja!! I hope bribe issue is not going on undergrand! Don’t trust black coaches!!
Good list but it is normal to have few surprises.
Shehu plays multiple positions , and he is good , knows the African game well, and experienced. This is not the time for akpoguma besides he is not starting games for his club.
I feel sad for awaziem, the coach was not happy he came to the afcon with an injury and lied he was fit, wasted a position another should fill in , and again he is not starting games for his club.. Ajayi is back fully to the team. The sincerity of balogun informing the coach of his in jury lead to the bringing back of ajayi to the team and he impressed, ever since the afcon he has started every game for his club, he didn’t play for months before the afcon ,but he returned a different player and has never sat on the bench since then. The afcon effect.
So happy for bassey, I’m not surprised Collins was not in the main list.
In the midfield, I’m surprised onyeka was selected ahead of bonke, probably this is not the time to bring in new players ( bonke is not so new though, but just one cap he is a novice in the team) onyeka has afcon experience not something you joke with..
Amoo in this team is a shocker, he has not played a single game for his new club, but let us watch and see, he was fire before he went to Denmark.
Etebo has not played for months, but he has crazy experience in the team
Onazi is in Saudi playing regularly , his experience might be needed for a stubborn Ghana
In the attack I want to salute cerezo.. Sadiq is on fire at the moment, same with igalo.. They score or assist every week.. Welcome back Denis. Welcome lookman.. Awonyi has not been doing so well. He didn’t make the main list, that’s wwll he deserves for now..
We can get the job done with this team.
Iwobi is suspended, amoo took his position… Kudos to the team
If Balogun is fit b4 the game, he comes into the CD to partner Omeruo. No way in this world will I pair someone who has not played 2 months of club football in a crucial WC game. Except Ekong start playing between now and the start of Ghana game, then he can play. Otherwise, him and ola sit on the bench.
Mr. Eguavoen please don’t use a 2-man midfield. We lost the game against Tunisia, tactically bcos we are not winning the second ball. The distance between ndidi and aribo is too wide. So we need an extra midfielder. Trust me Ghanaian will shock up their midfield in numbers with players like Partey, kudus Mohammed, Ayew brothers. Therefore, we cannot afford to loss the battle of the midfield to the ghanians.
My man @Mercy Bassey is outclassing Balogun at Club defender Bassey is Rangers FC star Defender stop taking what you know nothing off. Name a Defender that switches LB to CB to LB to CB in same game in this whole world not even Koulibaly can do that.
Ayew brothers? Sure you know what you’re talking about?
very good advice from Mercy. Ghana plays with a strong midfield using the likes of Partey and Muhammad Kudus. Andrey Ayew (the Ghana captain) will miss at least the first leg due to his red card against Comoros at the last AFCON. Coach Eguavoen/Amunike should please use a 3 man midfield to neutralize the Ghanaians because the midfield is where this match result will be decided.
Watford have just announced that Ekong will not be present to persecute the games. This Watford sef anyway he has been warming bench for a while now since AFCON. So Awaziem must get a called up
‘tAll the talks here is about foreign based players…
What is yussuf and amuneke doing with the domestic league because I can’t see any player from our local league on the list. The coach Eguavoen list is good but needs a bit of local content.
Thanks Bolos, they like to run to London instead of sitting their asses at home to develop the local league. Tell me, what was Amuneke doing in London when his Oga was already there? I wish we had two or more local inputs. Look at Ghana with almost three local inputs.
Ekong is ruled out….Semi Ajayi or omerou can fill that gap
Awaziem would likely be moved from standby to the main team to fill the gap as a central defender.
Thanks
First, this game is not exhibition game so there’s no time to give new players chance or to test new players. Onuachu should be in the main list. THE list is Ok for now. The problem is tactical approach to the game.
It’s a winner’s list. Up Eguas!
Eyaa, coach Eguavoen will continue to give us what to discuss till the World cup. It is good list.
I’m going to talk about the list but are you referring to the one that we caged in the zoo?
Both bonke and frank are the same kind of player, they dont add much to the teams midfield. Frank is mostly invited because he plays in the premiership. If he played in Denmark his name would most likely be among the standbys. We have better players than both of them, in my opinion. Players like alhassan yusuf, Raphael nwadike and obinna nwobodo will add more to the teams midfield if given a chance. But that doesn’t seem like happening soon unless they all make big moves to teams in major leagues. I still feel than for now, aribo, ndidi, iwobi, and a fit etebo are the best midfielders the Super Eagles have but we surely need more.
Raphael nwadike reminds me of Sunday Oliseh.If given a chance he would do great things it’s only a matter of time.
The attack line will most likely be Osimhen, dennis and simon starting with lookman coming in for simon and either chukwueze or iheanacho coming in for Dennis.
Iheanacho may start in the number 10 role but I prefer aribo or iwobi (whose name isnt on the list) there. With a fit a
Etebo and ndidi holding CM Position. The full backs are Aina and Zaidu, with any of leon/semi/omerua in the central defence.
Uzoho should be in Goal. Not Okoye
UZOHO
AINA. OMERUA. LEON. ZAIDU.
NDIDI. ETEBO.
DENNIS. ARIBO. SIMON.
OSIMHEN
You are listing Etebo that has not kicked a ball for ages due to his injury. He has not started playing for Watford since he starting training after recovery but we cant tell if he is match-ready yet… in midfield Alhassan(Antwerp) or Obinna(Göztepe) will have made a lot more sense as they both offer a lot of balance play in the middle for their clubs… Etebo coming back into the fold after a lengthy injury spell makes no sense at all… I know that one is Pinick son, even if half-fit they will invite him and possibly paly him!
With the struggles of ekong, it is time we add more defenders to the team.. uduokhai of Augburg will be a quality addition to the team..
Also serenren bazee of Augburg started today in German league after a very long, he scored last weekend too and was rewarded with a starting 11 position.. he would add more quality to our wing play..
Also tonight, jamilu Collins scored the winning goal for his team.. I feel cerozo got it wrong not to have him in the main team, I understand there was pressure to bring in bassey but Collins is a good player with loads of experience.. it was a tough decision, we have excess left back at the moment and very few right back.. this is strange, left back was a difficult position in Time past and we had very few of them
I also think it was a wrong decision not to invite bonke.. he started again tonight in french league. Playing 90 mins back to back every weekend.. onyeka is warming the bench in england.. Nevers starts any game.. this is a strange decision.. but it is a difficult one I must admit
I think it’s a good list.
I especially like the attack. Enough fire power to obliterate Ghana, if the players are used properly.
I feel sad that Ejuke is on standby, but the Russia situation is a likely reason.
I don’t know who Nwakaeme offended in the NFF or among the SE coaches. It appears his case is closed when it comes to SE invitation. If he likes, he can score 100 goals a season. Nothing for him as per SE.
Delighted to see Amoo finally invited. For me, he is there to compete with Aribo.
Aribo brings intelligence and poise, while Amoo is pure aggression, a real handful.
Amoo for me is ideal for African opponents. His game is a better fit against African opposition.
Between the 2 of them, the AM job should be well done against Ghana.
Unfortunate that UNION TROOST EKONG will not be available.
I think Awaziem should have been selected ahead of Shehu for the right back slot. No offense to Shehu, who is a decent player, but Awaziem to me is better. Unless he is sick or something.
So the list is ok, for the most part.
However, we need to beware!
Ghana will likely sit back and hit us on the counter. This system has worked for them in the past, and it always makes things difficult for us, so I don’t see them changing that system against us. They will sit back, and try to frustrate us, and they will be looking to rapidly hit us on the counter.
As long as we stay focused, remain vigilant at the back, AND TAKE OUR CHANCES WHEN THEY COME, we should be able to see off this Ghana challenge. We have the advantage of having better players at this time.
However, if we are complacent, we might as well wave the world cup ticket goodbye!
I like the line ups as shown above.
This is my suggested line up:
UZOHO
AINA, AJAYI, BALOGUN, BASSEY
LOOKAN, NDIDI, AMOO, SIMON
OSIMHEN, DENNIS
Lookman can do for us on the right flank what Simon has been doing on the left of recent. The 2 of them will provide creativity from the wings, and hopefully put tremendous pressure on the Ghana defense. Amoo’s aggressive approach in the AM position will ask questions of the Ghana defense. The combo of Osimhen and Dennis should keep Amartey and company quite busy over the 2 legs.
Ajayi is there in Ekong’s absence. Ndidi will provide cover for the back four, while Uzoho will man the post. If Okoye can demonstrate that he is up for this encounter, then he will likely be selected, but at this time, I feel a bit more comfy with Uzoho in goal.
One more thing. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again.
Our penchant for relaxing after scoring a goal needs to stop!
Going forward, even if we have scored 4 goals in a game, we should be looking for goal number 5. We should never be content. Look at the way the best teams in the world play. If Man City or Liverpool have scored many goals, they keep hunting for more until the blast of the whistle. This is how we want to see the SE go about their business.
Who knows, this may be what will help us beat Ghana. Scoring one goal and relaxing against a team like Ghana is very dangerous. As long as we have the advantage, let’s knock in as many goals as possible to kill their morale and end the tie as a contest as early as possible. However, any offensive strategy must be balanced with an equally vigilant defensive set up.
WE MUST NOT THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND AT ANY TIME.
Is bonke or what so ever better than Onazi in terms of experience? I think some of you seem to forget that it is Ghana we are playing and not Sudan.
And it is just 2 leg world cup qualifiers. If it’s gone it is gone. There is no saying okay we will make amends in our next game against a weaker opposition or we will qualify as best loosers.
The player is talented, he is good bla bla bla sometimes is not good enough. We need guys with experience. And I think that is what the coaching crew is trying to achieve by having a balanced and mixed team.
And like 90 percent of forumites are okay with the list. And also for anti Eguavon people like us to say the list is okay actually means it is okay.. LMFAO!!
Considering that Ghana’s strongest department is there midfield, we might want to take that into serious consideration.
They will likely parade Thomas Partey and Mubarak Wakasso in the midfield.
2 strong, competent box-to-box midfielders.
We may need more than Ndidi to combat these two guys.
So, I hereby tweak my earlier formation from 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1, as follows:
UZOHO
AINA, AJAYI, BALOGUN, BASSEY
NDIDI, ETEBO
LOOKMAN, AMOO, SIMON
OSIMHEN
The list is good but is not without fault.. I’m surprised most persons want uzoho to start those matches.. uzoho will be shocked if he would be selected.. a goal keeper that has not played for a month in common Cyprus and besides their league is over.. is he the one that will bench okoyo who had a clean sheet this night in highly dutch league. Pls we should have a rethink
@Ololo, the thing tire man pickin o. Lolzzzz. Uzoho in Cyprus to start in place of Okoye in Netherlands, who does that? Chop knuckle a beg, you too much. Okoye is the best, leave story.
I am deeply wiping for Nigeria/Super Eagles.
Why are we like this Nigerians. Is this the best squad to represent Nigeria against Ghana?
Amaju and our own have sold Nigeria out again. To make things bad, Ogenyi Onazi and Ighalo names were included in the team.
Hmmm. What our own are trying to do? Are they rebuilding and at the same time want to qualify to the world cup?
Are they progressing or regressing?
Do they have vision or they are just wasting time?
Confusion everywhere. Let assume that we have qualify for the World Cup. Are we going there as usual to make the numbers?
This is their best team and they will retain these players and Nigeria will be nocked out in the group stages. Is that the best NFF can do or allowing the coaches to select the best for Nigeria.
When asked Oga Rohr during his time that what did he want to achieve with his young team and he quickly replied, Nigeria can’t win the world cup with the current team. That was it. Too bad.
Then, they asked coach Waldrum last week about his team and he said he wants to rule Africa first and take the world by storm with his team. That is vision.
When we have Nwobodo, Dessers and Adeleye? Corruption.
Lastly, what our own mission about this squad?
God bless Nigeria!!!
Onaze, Etebo, Balogun and Musa should be completely excluded.
This is my take on the Onazi situation.
If he still has some of the ability he had between 2013 and 2018, when he was the backbone of our midfield, then I think he is a welcome addition to the squad.
Recall how at the 2014 world cup, Nigeria dominated the midfield against France, until a “tactical foul” by Matuidi took Onazi out of the game. Our midfield collapsed after Onazi’s exit, and the French took over.
That’s how good a fit Onazi is. Recall his heroics against Algeria when we beat them 3-1 at Uyo?
The guy battled hard in the midfield, helping to keep the rampaging Algerians at bay. Recall his performance against Cameroon as well, when we beat them 4-0? I still remember his overlapping run from the DM position into the right flank, from where he delivered a cross into the box, which Iheanacho nodded in for our 4th goal.
Some would argue validly that all that is in the past. However, It could be that Onazi has played himself back to a high level with his club matches.
A match fit Onazi and Ndidi combo is very desirable. Two box-to-box midfielders who can be a goal threat and can also help protect your defense.
For him to be on the standby list, the coaches have probably watched him and believe he can help them.
Otherwise, their jobs and reputation is on the line. If they invite a rubbish player due to corruption or nepotism, they also know Nigerians will descend on them if they perform poorly against Ghana.
The game plan here seems obvious to me. If Etebo can’t make it for any reason, Onazi will likely take his place. If the opportunity presents itself, this Onazi that everyone is condemning may just make a huge difference for us.
Once again, I would only have a problem with his inclusion in the standby list if he is unfit or off-form.
A fit, in-form Ogenyi Onazi is a desirable player to have in any team that needs good players.
@Pompei… I wanted to thumb up your comment but will still be patient until opportunities present itself for us to see Onazi life again. Coaches can only deal with a player based on statistics and information. That said… me, I will prefer Nwobodo anyday or Alhassan in Antwerp to a static player like Frank Onyeka, I believe it’s just the hype of playing for an EPL team even though he no longer starts for Brentford that is keeping Onyeka in the team…
Seriously @Pompei?
We have Micheal that played against Cape Verde in away match and the guy did very well. We also have Nwobodo, a fantastic midfielder, very energetic and workaholic, our own did not invite the young man. Why Ogenyi Onazi? What is unfit Etobo doing in the team.
If Ighalo is the solution then our own should resign.
Why can’t the coaches bring back Mikel and Enyeama? Peter Rufai also there.
Mr. Pompei, go and watch “Tosin Kehinde” video clips on YouTube and come back to tell me if Onazi deserves to be in the Super Eagles.
Ighalo will disgrace himself in the end just watch out. I wish him well but his time is over in the Super Eagles.
If at all the coaching crew have to bring in a striker, Kayode is a reliable, tested and trusted striker that can deliver any day any time.
We also have a fantastic striker in Dessers. If Plumptre could play against Ivory coast why Dessers can not play against Ghana?
Four new players were in action against Ivory coast and coach Waldrum won both home and away matches without relaying on Azeezat, Desire Oparanozie, his first choice golie and other reliable players.
This your comment, kai, this can’t be my lovely friend Pompei. I stand to be corrected on this.
Our own have failed again. Is that how Cisse built his team? There’s different between corruption and transparency now.
These our own preferred money over integrity. Onazi, Ighalo and Akpeyi, another three slots wasted.
Fingers crossed. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
If you say onazi and etebo ,I will understand but balogun common man.. have you been following rangers recently.. balogun right now is the only reason ranger can have believe to surpass Celtic and reclaim the league title.. baseey have tried to replace him but it has been tough for him.. the game the rangers coach decided to rest balogun probably he was thinking the opponent was weak was the day the lost points that could have helped them reclaim first position in the league.. the coach was heavily criticized by the Scottish media.. with the absence of ekong we should be actually praying right now that nothing happens to balogun,if not we will be in serious trouble..
Iwobi won’t be there, nwakali is not fit has not played for long due to his crises with his team. The midfield has only few players and this midfield position is the strength of the Ghanaian team.. we have just ndidi and aribo and probably shehu, this not not enough, etebo is back although not playing in the first team in Watford, maybe before the Ghana game he should.. but etebo is experienced, same with onazi . these are men not boys who have seen it all in the super eagles team.. it would be risky inviting rookies like alhasan, nwobodo.. they are good players but this game might be above them for now.. common this the peak of world cup qualification
Ghanaians are mocking Nigerian world cup list. They have studied the list and pointed out the weaknesses.
They said the goalkeeping department is very weak. They also said Ighalo and Musa have finished.
I said the same thing about the list few hours ago. Something is fishy about the list.
They even said Eagles lacks creativity in the Super Eagles when we have a new Jay Jay Okocha in “Tosin Kehinde”? Ejaria is another midfielder.
We have Azubuke that is playing regularly why Etobo and Onazi. What are Ighalo, Shehu, Akpeyi, Onazi, Etobo, Amoo doing in the Super Eagles?
Amoo is for the future. Bringing him in now may affect his confidence in the national team. Okoye for instance. They are both good but not yet there.
Kayode and Dessers should be chosen over Ighalo, Awoniyi and Sodiq. Nwobodo and Azubuike should have been in this squad.
Adebayo Adeleye should be in goal against Ghana because a new goalie like Adeleye is better than three of the goalies we have in the Super Eagles at the moment. Agin, coach Agu have failed on this.
Lastly, I wish Super Eagles good luck against Ghana. But hmmm. Let’s call a spade a spade, something is fishy about the list of the players. If you know you know. You can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. It doesn’t work that way. If Super Eagles fail to qualify to the world cup in Qatar, we should hold Amaju Pinnick and the coaching crew accountable for their actions. It might be yoo late then. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
@Omo9ja, I disagree with you on amoo being for the future. How would you know unless you play him? Football is played with ability and not age. Imagine if Deschamp shared that line of thought, France May never have won the world cup because a certain teenager by the name of Mbappe was the catalyst for their triumph. Owen was a teenager at France 98 and emerged as England’s best player in that tourney.
Rooney on his debut at old Trafford scored a hatrick and was the best player on the field let alone his team. He was just a teenager.
If a player has ability and the confidence to play, I say , play him.
This mentality that only the old and experienced can do a job is what is keeping this country down. We see this play out at political levels and unfortunately, it continues to cascade to sports etc.
If you play him and he does not measure then you can place the tag of ” He is for the future ” on him. It is important to ask the right questions and not just dismiss competence on the premise of youthful age .
You people are getting me wrong @Golden Child and Pompei. Am a fan of young talented star players and nothing wrong if we have such a talent in the squad.
Mikel was so young when he went to his first Afcon and he did well.
Osaze was also a young player during his first attempt at the Afcon.
This Amoo, if you watch his game critically, is too early to play him in the Super Eagles.
Am not talking about his age or his size and exposure, every player is different and country football is entirely different to club football. Most especially, African football.
For example, our strikers at this year Afcon were informed but none of them were able to adjust and adapt quickly into the team. That was part of the problem in that tournament. They were so wasteful in front of goal.
Compared to Dessers and Plumptre, first call-up at the national team and the both gave the best account of themselves. These are part of the qualities the coaches should looking into.
No disrespect to Ighalo, even when he was young, how many chances he was able to convert to goal at the national team. Out of three chances, he can only score one. Aside from Osimhen, who can we rely on?
Denise is new in the team and he’s not a point man but a wide attacker who can come from either from both flanges.
Sodiq disappointed me at this year Afcon. Also Awoniyi. Ejuke definitely deserves not to be part of the team this time around because he did not play with the team and he also selfish.
Iwobi is a good player but what he did against Tunisia showed the level of his maturity. He came into the match with anger and frustration because he wasn’t part of the first 11 and he made that foul intentionally and he was sent off. If the rules permitted him to play, he should be on the bench. This is how you bring the best out of your players as a coach.
For the goalies in the team, I repeat, with what I saw during the Afcon, Uzoho was match rusty. Okoye not fully focused and for Akpeyi, is not reliable.
We can see now that the coaches did not learn from their mistakes. Akpeyi didn’t do well against Algeria, we got knocked out and two years later under the same gaffer Mr. Agu, Okoye slept over against Tunisia and Nigeria got knocked out again.
Shall we continue with coach Agu?
Why Nigerians are not focusing on coach Agu and NFF has refused to replace him?
We should stop deceiving ourselves. If you are good you are good. Plumptre has proven that in a crucial match against the Ivory Coast. If the young lady like Plumptre who was raised outside Africa could play against a very strong and tricky Ivory coast team why Adeleye, Nwobodo and Dessers can be allowed to be in the team? They deserve to play against Ghana. It’s all depends on the coach.
Risk is part of the game. Our own lack this quality. Same thing applies to Oga Rohr. Only coach Waldrum is the best when we are talking about the selections of quality players.
Imagine, coach Waldrum did have Azeezat, Desire Oparanozie and many valuable players against Ivory coast, in the invitational games but in the end, the gaffer did a fanterbulous job.
Our own have failed to educate this from coach Waldrum but instead, they are doing a lazy job when we have young players available for selections.
Nobody can deceive me on this. The coaches are just doing their business in the national team. Amaju Pinnick hands are not clean on that list. He’s in charge of the team.
So, I don’t expect too much from Super Eagles under Amaju. If we make it to the world cup, do you people think Nigeria will do something spectacular with the list of the players on the list?
I won’t be surprised if I see Mikel Obi, Ambrose in the team.
We could see that systematically, they are bringing their players back into the team. Having Onazi back in the Super Eagles is a taboo.
Having Ighalo in the Super Eagles is a wrong call.
From Akpeyi to Ighalo and from Ighalo to Onazi, who’s the next to come in? Enyeama abi?
This is so disheartening seeing Nwobodo who is young, very talented, elegant, smart and strong but NFF and the coaches preferred Onazi.
We have Kayode who is far better than Ighalo, we have Dessers that is tested against Tunisia who knows how to scoring goals but our own and Amaju have settled for the less.
Bonke is not the kind of player we need. A player that doesn’t know where or when to tackling?
He is too rough and he can get a red card at any time. So, I will say no to Bonke. Nwobodo is far better than him. Michael is another midfielder that should be in the team. What he did against Cape Verde showed his class. We have to many options we can choose from but our own and NFF will never go fir the best.
For these reasons, I can’t say too much about the match. I pray to see my country at the world cup but the level of corruption in the NFF/coaching crew may tarnished the hope of qualifying to the world cup. The way it is, NFF and the coaches are not ready and Nigerians should limit their expectations. The list tells it all. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
Jimbo/Omo9ja,
I’m also a fan of Nwobodo and Alhassan. Add Raphael Nwadike to the list. Kingsley Michael, is he fit at the moment? And then there is Bonke, who is playing regularly with Lorient.
However, put yourselves in Eguavoen’s shoes. You have tried and tested players of the past who are currently in form, and you have talented newbies. Who will you select for a tough world cup playoff against a team like Ghana?
There are no absolute correct answers.
If Nwobodo for example was clearly the best we had currently, Our Own would have selected him point blank. But when the new talent is in the same ball park range as the old talent, then for a crunch game like this, most gaffers will go for experience.
Once the ticket is obtained, Eguavoen likely intends to widen his purview, and then start looking at all the newbies, with a view to trying as many as possible in friendlies.
OUR OWN can only do his very best in selecting the players he believes can maximize the chances of Nigeria claiming the world cup ticket. That will happen when we start playing friendlies in prep for the world cup.
Friendlies is the ideal time to try newbies, not a crunch world cup playoff!
So Nwobodo, Dessers, Alhassan et al are not out of the picture. They will all have their chance to claim a spot on the plane going to Qatar.
The priority for now is to ensure they get that chance, by obtaining the world cup ticket.
I probably would not have selected some of the players in the team if I was the coach. But I understand why they where selected. It’s not a perfect list, but it’s not bad either.
Omo9ja, I disagree with you on Amoo. Mo yari kanle!
Yes, in most cases, it’s not advisable to throw a young fellow into a baptism of fire. But when that fellow is the best you have and even offers you a tactical advantage, then you have no choice but to include him in your squad.
As Golden Child mentioned, If France were stuck on the “he’s for the future boat”, they would have left Mbappe behind from the 2018 world cup!
Pele won his first world cup at age 17. Remember that as well.
Amoo is a great option to have at this time, especially considering our opposition.
A typical Ghana side is very physical, strong defensively. So a guy like Amoo who is strong with low center of gravity is what the doctor ordered for an opponent like this.
This boy Amoo could have been a huge advantage for us at the last Afcon. Should we repeat the same mistake by leaving him out against Ghana? No way!
It’s good to have someone like Amoo who can bulldoze his way into Ghana’s vital area and possible win you freekicks and penalties. He also has a great range of passing. And his rocket of a left foot will be a threat to Ghana, who like us are struggling in the goalkeeping department.
This Ghana game is tailor-made for Amoo. If he’s selected, I have no doubt that he will perform.
How do you place a player with 15 goals in 33 matches (all competitions) in a top 7 club in a top 5 EUROPEAN LEAGUE clubside on stanby whilst handling invitations to a Saudi based retiree and a second division player! No country does that under any guise. But hey, its NIGERIA we are talking about! Also why not invite ADEBAYO ADELEYE, 2 home based goalies (Lobi Stars NWABILI and the guy with Remo Stars) and see all of them up close! A bench warming CHIDOZIE AWAZIEM offers more than SHEHU if not for qouta system. Also what is OGENYI ONAZI doing while ALHASSAN YUSUF and INNOCENT BONKE are left out? Awoniyi would have been presented another opportunity to train more and thus gel more with the TEAM.
I wish SE all the best sha as I cant stand missing out of the Mundial.
Where is Alex Iwobi? Not invited why? Can someone explain to us why not on the list ?
He already did with Niger and Gabon…leading them to their best AFCON finishes everin their history