The Super Eagles’ defence has been fairly stable despite a proliferation of options. The youthfulness of Shehu Abdullahi, Tyrone Ebuehi, William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem and Brian Idowu is encouraging from a futuristic point of view, but also worrisome in the lack of experienced leadership which Elderson Echiejile and Leon Balogun have not been able to provide.
After a shaky start at right back, Shehu Abdullahi has improved remarkably, playing in all the games during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers (including one he was ineligible for). He is still not yet the finished article as there is still room for improvement, notably in his offensive play.
Tyronne Ebuehi has shown that he can compete favourably with Shehu for the right back berth, even performing better as a right wingback. He is very young and still developing, and so is an asset for the present and future Eagles.
His experience cannot be discountenanced, but realistically, Uwa Echiejile was at his best during the 2013 Nations’ cup victory but has steadily declined ever since. The paucity of credible replacements was probably responsible for his return.
Brian Idowu is a versatile defensive player who seems to have won Coach Rohr’s heart as he looks like to be the Super Eagles first choice left back in Russia though he hasn’t shown enough to merit that.
Leon Balogun has shown himself to be a capable spine of the Eagles defence, despite an inconsistent run due to struggles with injuries in the last year. The Super Eagles will benefit immensely if stays fully fit during the World Cup – though he seems a little slow sometimes.
Since after winning the bronze with Nigeria’s U-23 at the 2016 Olympic Games, William Ekong has been progressively consistent in the Super Eagles’ backline, and is growing into a leader at the back. A lot will depend on him and how he performs at the World Cup.
After a promising start to his Super Eagles’ career, where he was tipped to be next leader of the Super Eagles backline, Kenneth Omeruo’s progress has been hampered by injuries and loss of form. By starting all the games at the 2014 World Cup, he is probably the most experienced of the current lot in the defence, strengthened by some momentum from a very impressive 2017-2018 season.
Chidozie Awaziem may still be rough at the edges as he is being eased gradually into international football, but playing relatively regularly for Nantes in the French Ligue 1, he is a huge prospect for the future.