With the release of Super Eagles 23-man list for the World Cup, our Correspondent Augustine Akhilomen takes an overview of the team and its chance at the tournament
At last, Nigerians can heave a sigh of relief after Super Eagles handler, Stephen Keshi released the 23-man list that will represent Nigeria at the forthcoming World Cup in Brazil.
Although, few people were not happy with the late release of the list, however, what is most paramount is the team success.
Stakeholders have expressed concern over the omission of some players such as Nnamdi Oduamadi, Nosa Igiebor, Ejike Uzoenyi and Nations Cup hero, Sunday Mba.
As humans, it is impossible to satisfy all, something which also put Keshi and every Nigerians in the same line of thoughts.
Without much ado, let’s critically analyse this team based on its various departments and the players that have been selected for this great assignment in Brazil, in order to know whether Keshi has chosen the ‘perfect’ 23-man squad. Goalkeeping
As it stands, Lille safest hand, Vincent Enyeama remains Nigeria’s number one as far as the goalkeeper department is concerned. His experience, exposure and undisputed qualities have made him an asset that could be relied upon at critical times. Enyeama’s close save against Greece midfielder really showed why he’s our numero uno. The likes of Austine Ejide and Chigozie Agbim are suspect in nature and may not provide that perfect cover-up for Enyeama if the unexpected happens.
For record sake, en-route France 98′, Ike Shorunmu happened to be our best goalkeeper, only for him to sustain an injury few days to the World Cup. Super Eagles was exposed badly at the Mundial in spite of recalling Peter Rufai when we have Abiodun Baruwa and William Okpara to call upon.
Ejide’s physical appearance simply puts him off the team coupled with the fact that, the Scotland game really exposed his poor flexibility and ball timing. As for Agbim, we have a goalkeeper who’s only going to the World Cup to make up the numbers.
Atalanta ’96 Olympic football gold medalist, Joseph Dosu, questioned Ejide and Agbim’s physical and mental preparedness for the World Cup.
“As a goalkeeper, your physical nature will determine the rate of your flexibility and I am not really happy with Ejide’s hefty nature because it may count against him in the long run. As for Agbim, I don’t think we have a replacement for our two goalkeepers if they get injured.”
Defence
Keshi named a mixture of experienced and youthful defenders that are ready to shed their blood for the team. One thing is certain about the defence, there is a cover-up for every positions.
For instance, if our regular back four such as Elderson Echiejile, Kenneth Omeruo, Godfrey Oboabona and Efe Ambrose sustain injuries or card suspensions, the coach could easily call on the likes of Azubuike Egwuekwe, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami and Juwon Oshaniwa to replace them.
Interestingly, all the eight invited defenders retain their position for the World Cup without anyone left behind. As far as this department is concerned, it is obvious that Keshi has made the right decision.
According to Former Super Eagles assistant coach, James Peters, Keshi’s selection in all departments was best of players he had at hand, stressing that he may not have made any better choice.
“I think he has taken care of every department. The defence is okay, that is why I said there couldn’t have been anybody better than what he has taken. So, if there is anybody better, we would have complained, but the whole positions he has taken care of them.”
Midfield
Lots of question have been raised on why players like Oduamadi, Igiebor, Mba and Ejike failed to make the team’s final 23-manlist despite their contributions before, during and after the World Cup qualifying series. Mba’s case may have come as a shock to millions of Nigerians considering his contribution to the team winning the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa last year. He should have made the cut irrespective of his visa issue that delayed him. Mind you, that does not also mean that those that have been selected does not deserve their place too.
The team’s midfield though look very strong and possesses the combative bite coupled with its attacking mentality with players such as Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Ogenyi Onazi,Gabriel Reuben and Ramon Azeez, however, the team lacks that creative player like Austin Okocha, who could split and create those visionary passes for our strikers to score goals. Reuben seems to be the man with that creative instinct although Mikel could also be counted, but then his lack of playing times for his club may just slow down his proficiency.
