By the time the Super Eagles qualified for the World Cup last year, Coach Gernot Rohr already knew the team he would be taking to the Russia; at the very least, he (and of course most ardent followers of the Super Eagles) knew 70% of the players who would make his team. And so his 23-man World Cup squad – bar a very negligible few – turned out to be very much as expected.
Of course, not every player will be picked for any competition, but looking back, is this squad the best there possibly is? Could the team have been better equipped?
The debate about the quality of goalkeepers the team is parading at the World Cup has been hushed for the time being, waiting to resurge at the competition proper depending, of course, on the performance of those picked. However, there is no doubt that Vincent Enyeama’s inclusion would have given the country a lot more confidence in that department than what it has.
Ndidi’s injury revealed how near-indispensible he is to the team’s defensive midfield – especially in the absence of a certain Anderson Esiti who is equally competent and even better built for the role. Given the disappointing performance of Joel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi in recent times, it is fair to say that perhaps Esiti – given his talent – should have been in the team.
Most of the attacking responsibilities on the flanks have been borne by Victor Moses. The team is thin on out-and-out wingers due to the injury to Moses Simon and Ahmed Musa’s depreciation in that role. Junior Lokosa was even deployed away from his central striking role to play fruitlessly on the right wing in one of the warm up games. Meanwhile, a certain Samuel Kalu recorded 7 goals and 6 assists in the season past, but has yet to be invited to the Super Eagles.
He may probably be slightly premature for the senior set-up just yet, but the lack of creativity in the Eagles midfield is so acute that Kelechi Nwakali’s undeniable talent may just give the team a lift. Same goes for Usman Mohammed who looks better-equipped for a role in a team lacking guile, incisiveness and creativity going forward.