By the time the Super Eagles qualified for the World Cup last year, Coach Gernot Rohr (and in fact most ardent followers of the Super Eagles) already knew 70% of the players who would make the World Cup 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 Rohr’s final 23 the best there possibly is? Who was left out of the team, that could be missed at the World Cup?
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.
Wilfred 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 some of the warm-up matches, it is fair to say that perhaps Esiti – given his talent – should have been in the team.
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 have just given the team a lift, however little. Same goes for Usman Mohammed who possesses the lacking guile, incisiveness and creativity still lacking in the Super Eagles.
Most of the attacking responsibilities on the flanks have been borne by Victor Moses. Moses Simon’s injury greatly depleted the team’s options, leaving it thin on out-and-out wingers, more so with 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; yet a certain Samuel Kalu recorded 7 goals and 6 assists in the season past, but has yet to be invited to the Super Eagles. Henry Onyekuru, who was a part of the Super Eagles set up during the qualifying campaign and considering his age and performance in recent seasons, looked another huge prospect for the team. Unfortunately, he was injured mid-season and while he managed to make full recovery, he wasn’t considered for a place in the provisional squad.