Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr is expected to make a number of changes in his starting line-up for Tuesday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde, Completesports.com reports.
The departure of UK-based players who returned to base following the unchanged stance of UK authorities concerning protocols and guidelines that must be observed by anyone returning to the country after visiting a country on their COVID-19 red label, of which Cape Verde is one means Rohr will have to replace some of his regulars against the Blue Sharks.
The absence of Olaoluwa Aina, William Ekong, and Leon Balogun probably means that Italy –based Tyronne Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem of FC Boavista in Portugal, and Spain –based Kenneth Omeruo will start the game.
Rohr is also short of options in midfield with regular starters; Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo, and Alex Iwobi not available for selection.
Malmo of Sweden midfielder Innocent Bonnke is expected to anchor the midfield. Rohr may opt to deploy the versatile Abdullahi Shehu to the midfield as he has done a couple of times.
Read Also: 2022 WCQ: Okoye Optimistic Of Victory Against Cape Verde
The Super Eagles defeated Liberia 2-0 in their matchday one encounter at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos last week Friday.
A win will also brighten the path of the three–time African champions to the knockout final round, given that home-and-away fixture against the Central African Republic is what is on the plate in October.
EAGLES IN CAPE VERDE
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Valentine Ozornwafor (Sporting Charleroi, Belgium); Tyronne Ebuehi (Venezia FC, Italy);
Midfielders: Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF, Sweden); Kingsley Michael (Bologna FC, Italy); Adekunele Adeleke (Abia Warriors);
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France); Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos FC,
45 Comments
The only challenge we might have in this team is the midfield. who are mostly new members of the team. this is the time for these guys to cement their position in the team. They may never have this opportunity again. So fly eagles fly.
Is Aina base in UK now…
I know he returned to Torino after his loan spell at Fulham.
I asked the same question yesterday why did Aina go back when the other Italy based players stayed behind. Makes no sense.
Still a very strong squad to get a favorable result. Osimhen and Simon should keep their places in attack. We have options in Ejuke and Onyekuru as well as Captain Musa and Kalu. Onuachu can also come in at any time. I’ve watched Innocent Bonke in the Champions league this season so I’m sure he will be able to hold his own in the midfield. This match is a good opportunity to see how strong our bench is going forward and which players may be left out all together for others who may be doing better than them on the outside looking to come in. I don’t have much to say about the Liberia match as I already expected all the 3 points and the boys didn’t disappoint even though they have to play on a ridiculous pitch in Lagos for that matter. Even if that match was played at Onikan Stadium or Agege stadium it would’ve been better. Yet some die hard critics will continue to whale expecting players who are playing every week on pool table surfaces in Europe to play good football on that Rocky Mountain of a pitch?? The jury are still out on some players, but the team as a whole is progressing and I wish them all the best in Mindelo. VAMOS ARIBBA SUPEREAGLES!!!
Pool table surfaces…
Lols
This is a great opportunity for the fringe players to show the coach what they’ve got.
Playing Cape Verde is like playing a second string Portugal. They are technically good, energetic, and hungry. Our attack can be the difference maker in this crunch encounter.
OLA AINA should be availabe playing in italy torino ,press error!!!
Who will be saddled with orchestrating and bridging our midfield and attack? Bonnke is a DM, Kingsley Michael is also a DM… Somehow it would have been wise to have a player like Kelechi Nwakali but hopefully we won’t be static in the middle.
HAhahahaha…..LMAOOOO…are you referring to the same Nwakali who didnt make matchday squad last week and is on the bench today playing for HUESCA…I mean SD HUESCA…or another Nwakali…? LMAOOoo.
Pls tell him to first tie down an undisputable 1st team spot and be a guaranteed starter in the 2nd division first before dreaming of a place in the national team.
Referee will be Nigeria’s biggest challenge because the hosts are desperate for a win. African refs are corruptible.
Ola Aina plays for Torino in Italy. Why is he not there? After all, Osimhen is also Italy-based.
This is the exact match we need kelechi nwakali and Azubuike Okechukwu. Azubuike is a way complete experienced defensive midfielder more than Bonke,in terms of national team football. I don’t know why rhor skip any of these two player. This is a huge mistake from the coach, we will see how the new guys fair.
You are seeing what I’m seeing @Barth.
You and I are not agents nor coaches but we know more than those in charge of the Super Eagles.
Having both of the two players you mentioned in the Super Eagles, Nigerians would have enjoyed smooth and enjoyable display of actions against Cape Verde tomorrow.
We have the players and I am very pleased with that kę.
Fingers crossed. God bless Nigeria!!!
Why is Semi Ajayi not in this squad ?
In Rohr’s technical evaluation. Ozonwafor or Awaziem or Omeruo is better than Ajayi.
The good thing is that we get to see which of these set of players deserve to be on the team. If you are not considered good for the first team or the second team then your service is no longer needed.
Semi Ajayi play his soccer for West Bromwich Albion in same England, so same reason the rest British base players wasn’t in the squad apply to ajayi.
Are you responding to the ignoramus…? LMAOooo.
Rohr should have invited 23 England-based players and when all of them returned to England, the ignoramus and his entire village would have gone to play the match vs Cape verde for us….LMAOooo. As if Ajayi is any tad better than the remaining defenders in the team.
THIS LIST IS OKAY.
THEN WHAT MAKES GERNOT ROHR TO BE COMPLAIN AT FIRST STAGE.
I recommend Rhor to play with this line-up:- 4-2-3-1 as follows:- Okoye-Ebuehi,Awaziem, Omuero,Collins-Bonke,Michael-simon,Oneykuru(playmaker),Moffi-Osimhen.Samuel Kalu is shaky because of his physical copper test, Ahmed Musa and Onauchu can be subistitutes in attackt; in midfield Shehu or adekunle can be subistitute for Bonke or Michael;in defence ozornwafor or Sanusi can be subistitute for Ebuehi or Collins.I think this an ideal line-up which can bring a win versus Cape Verde…
When you are missing 8 to 9 of your regular players especially when you came from a tumultuous experience of playing under the worst condition of that horrible pitch like Buhari 1974 grazing reserve land. Every coach in the world will complain and Rohr is not an exception. @Barth your mentioned players can not do more than those who are currently in the team. Check their current form and starts then compare, so Nwakali and Azubuike are not Messi thank you.
My ssuggested line up for this game:
Okoye
Ebuehi, Awaziem, Omeruo, Sanusi
Simon, Shehu, Bonke/Michael, Ejuke
Moffi, Osimhen
Thr front four of Simon, Moffi, Osimhen and Ejuke are required to push up and press the Cape Verde defense. The high press will yield us some good chances, and the presence of these 4 dangerous forwards will keep Cape Verde from pushing players up to attack us.
The back four looks good. Shehu and Bonke or Michael will provide further protection for the back four.
3 points is definitely possible. But we must not be complacent!
https://youtu.be/P0YXCT8i9Ms
Innocent Bonke is not innocent on the pitch of play at all and the guy looks good as a capable cover for Ndidi.
The guy looks like a decent player.We can’t wait to see what Bonke, Moffi, Ebuehi, Ejike, Onyekuru and the rest who are not starters in the Super Eagles would bring to the table. Liberia won CAR earlier today and this group is turning out to be an interesting group. Tomorrow will also be a huge test for the Coaching crew..we will see how it goes
Kalu and Ebuehi out as they tested positive for Covid according to Owngoal.
This Kalu guy is such an unlucky fellow, he really need to borrow SeniorMan Kels’ soap to wash off this incessant hardluck away.
I suspect these Cape Verdians are up to something dubious. This idea of having the home country conduct the COVID test can be easily weaponized. I trust dubious Africans to take advantage.
I dreamt of it way back and Im not surprised its happening now.
How 2 prospective starters would just be strategically singled out for fictitious covid-forced ostracizing without raising suspicions beats imagination. Players who didn’t test positive only a few days ago and haven’t been anywhere else the rest of the team hasn’t been, just testing positive all of a sudden…?
These people should know what goes around comes around. Benin republic tried it and got severely burnt and ultimately missed AFCON….talk about Karma at work.
Rohr should just stick to the 4-4-2 he played against Liberia or switch to a 3-5-2….if we dont concede we dont lose….its as simple as that. And with the pacy forwards we have, we wouldnt leave that place without making them pick goals out of their net.
For this dark art these CPVans have dipped their hands into now…..they shall be punished, the way Benin got their deserved punishment.
I feel you bro,that was the same foul play i suspected until i discovered that the test was done in Nigeria before the team left our shores.
The link below for your reference:
Rohr should have invited same numbers of players that won’t be available for the second game as replacements.His tightness has put us in a very difficult situation.
Well Ozonwafor will pair Omeruo,the fullbacks will be occupied by Collins and Awaziem.Bonke and Shehu will play in the defensive and central midfield respectively In the absence of Kalu,Kingsley Michael or Ejuke will play as number 10.The front three are Musa,Simon and Osimhen.
People complaining about Teslim balogun stadium should go watch the stadium in Abidjan that ivoru coast is hosting cameroon in, then u will really appreciate Teslim Balogun stadium. I swear Teslim balogun stadium na wembley compared to that millet farm. How FIFA lets a WC qualifier hold here is beyond me i swear. Atleast one can say maybe it was the rain that messed up Teslim balogun stadium but this nonsense in Abidjan shouldn’t be considered to host monkey post let alone WC qualifier. FIFA and CAF yab, chair, calling this an eyesore is the greatest understatement in the entire world. Its hurting my eyes watching this rugby. Abeg some countries dont deserve hosting rights biko. How can one enjoy playing on this, i bet thats why saha isnt playing. God have mercy on africa.
Hahahaha….at least this pitch is dry and there are no water puddles holding up the movement of the ball. LMAOOoo.
Seeing Iheancho tip toeing to a through ball last Friday make my weekend….LMAOOO…the boy no wan slip nak yansh for ground come go break in spinal cord on top Nigeria matter.
So because the Ivorians have a bad stadium we should be happy with that horrific pitch? Individuals like you are the reasons why the foolish leaders think we are contempt with underdevelopment and deserve nothing more. How dare you?
Brother, please comprehend 1st b4 u start typing. Understand what is sarcasm b4 u begin type biko. See drey understood what i was saying hence why he was laughing. I was in no way giving Teslim balogun stadium a pass ooo, i was just comparing the two stadia. Moreover, i believe a forumite at one point posted a clip of our boys training at thesame Teslim balogum stadium in preparation for the liberia match if am not mistaken and imho the field wasn’t looking too bad, maybe it was bcos it wasn’t raining dat day am not sure. There was even a comment drey made that the stadium was colored with crayon or something to dat effect bcos of how green the field looked. Again i am in no way justifying the use of the Teslim balogun stadium as it wasn’t appropriate for a WC qualifier same with this millet farm Ivory coast are using, same with the crap Uganda used against mali but if i am to pick between Teslim balogun and this one in abidjan, i will prefer Teslim balogun stadiun, thats my opinion and as always u are entitled to yours.
OK I understand you bro.The state of affairs of our nation is so annoying that it is hard to understand what sarcasm is lol
Lol, i love ur comment, and its so true, the way things are in dat country makes it hard to laugh most times. Cheers bro
But honestly the playing surface of the Uganda vs Mali is better than Teslim Balogun lol
I kindly implored you to please watch the highlights of South Africa vs Ghana and you will appreciate the value of a good pitch to good football play. Such a pristine playing surface with smooth flow of soccer rhythm
You are right, i saw the game and d field was great but the teams didn’t do the stadium any justice lol.
Ivory coast beating cameroon 2:0 in this millet field of a stadium. It looks like the grass outside the field is better than d one on the actual field. Imagine this was supposed to be the game of the group, 2 titans of african football (elephant vs lion) doing battle but CAF and FIFA making us watch rugby. This match would have been very entertaining had it been played on a decent pitch but alas on cassava farm. God help africa
With this Covid issue Affecting 2 of our players the question now is why did Aina travel back to Italy? Especially now that Ebuehi is out.
Its not good news if the report from owngoal is true but i think we can cope. This is where i think GR does well in the selection of the players he invites. Now Awaziem can easily deputise as a RB while Ozonwafor pairs with Omeruo as tge 2 CBs while Sanusi plays LB. I wouldnt play Shehu as RB bcos ww need someone with experience (someone who knows the coach’s philosophy) in the midfield, he can pair with the Bonke guy. I with then play Simon and Ejuke on the wings with Musa and Osimen upfront. I could also ask musa to drift to the wing and give Ejuke the #10 role due to his dribbling ability. Just thinking out loud
Lineup
Okoye
Defense: Awaziem, Omeruo, Ozornwafor, Sanusi
Midfield/wingers: Shehu, Bonke, Ejuke,Simon
Forward: Musa, Osimen
Just my opinion, i know musa is not very popular in some sections but a game like this is where his experience will come in very handy as lots of our experienced players aren’t available.
We have no choice lol. I read on owngoal that Akpeyi even trained as an outfield player today lol and would not suit up as a goalkeeper for tomorrow’s game lol.
This image just sums up the Nigerian state at the moment. Everybody only looking for how to cash out on anything and everything. Four different supporters club factions. 9ja no go kee persin ohhh.
https://twitter.com/PoojaMedia/status/1434961614319595522?s=08
Djibouti Vs Niger stadium was the best pitch I have seen so far. So clean and the grass was superb and attractive
Chidera Ejuke na baller o. Cape Verde is in trouble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-_5tKYBxko
Match never start, excuses don they show. I see no reason why we can’t beat cape Verde with this current team with a good coach.
Nice one boys