Stephen Keshi’s announcement of a preliminary 30-man list for the Brazil 2014 World Cup party has continued to draw a divergence of opinions.
The list, from which the final 23 will be drawn, is made up of four goal keepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders and nine forwards. Over the last few days, many Super Eagles pundits, ex-internationals and fans have been speaking their minds as regards the list.
Since football is a team sport and the collective effort of the team in each match will be determined by the performance of the individual players, let us carry out a person-by-person analysis of the 30 players:
GOAL KEEPERS:
Vincent Enyeama – While other African nations (particularly Ghana) face doubts about the identity of their Number One, the Super Eagles have no such fears with Enyeama, voted the continent’s finest based on form and performance between the sticks,the LOSC Lille stopper has had a brilliant form for the French Ligue 1 side.
Austin Ejide – Nigerians should be wholly confident that should some misfortune befall Enyeama, they boast, in Ejide, a more-than-able deputy, having already showed a glimpse of his safe hands in the friendly against Italy.
Chigozie Abgim – I know, I know…there’s a case to be made for another stopper, such as Carl Ikeme or Theo Afelokhai, but Agbim, despite his failings, is a comfortable, uncontroversial member of the squad who is highly unlikely to be called upon tho,as the chances of using more than two goalies in the World Cup are most likely slim (but not ruled out).
Daniel Akpeyi - Not much can be said about the Warri Wolves goalie as he has only seen 90 minutes of action for his club. Though his qualities has not been in doubt.
DEFENDERS:
Godfrey Oboabona - Inspired confidence in performances against luminaries such as Mario Balotelli and Didier Drogba,should hopefully use the World Cup as a launch-pad for a move to one of Europe’s biggest leagues.
Kenneth Omeruo - Despite calls for Joseph Yobo to be reinstalled alongside Oboabona, there is no doubt that Omeruo will be up to the task. Omeruo is Super Eagles promising defensive stalwart and is an indisputable entry on this 30-man provisional list after his impressive showings at the 2013 Cup of Nations. The last six months at Middlesbrough has prepared him well.
Elderson Echiejile – He hasn’t played as much as he’d like at Monaco, but Elderson interacts well with Victor Moses and will be an important attacking weapon for Nigeria.
Efe Ambrose – Offers big-game experience and is an important presence in both defending and attacking set-pieces. Ambrose remains the most consistent player on this list for both club and country in the past 12 months,having just helped his Celtic side to a Scottish Primeria title. The central defender's talents and defensive abilities cannot be neglected.
Azubuike Egwuekwe - Another call-up for the Warri Wolves skipper. He is a dependable presence and enjoys a good understanding with Oboabona.
Joseph Yobo – There are definitely issues here, but if Nigeria’s record cap holder can sacrifice himself for the good of the squad, then he can be a valuable source of experience,command discipline in the defence and help stabilise the side late in games
Juwon Oshaniwa – Having been left out of the Super Eagles after the Nations Cup victory in South Africa, the Israel-based defender made a strong call for his return by featuring prominently for his Israeli side who narrowly missed the title playoff. He is a quality back-up to Elderson Echiejile.
Kunle Odunlami - Good height and man-marking ability is definitely a blessing to any team he might be put into. Would serve as a worthy back-up, when called upon.
MIDFIELDERS:
Ogenyi Onazi - One of the revelations of the 2013 Cup of Nations, the Eagles’ midfield engine could make a similar impact in Brazil. The young Lazio central midfielder is expected to keep his place in spite of the recent reshuffle in the middle of the park by Stephen Keshi, given his dynamism and versatility.
John Obi Mikel – Eagle’s emotional heartbeat. Might well look to demonstrate his creative skills and attract suitors during the tournament. Despite having a poor season with Chelsea,hampered by lack of playing time,He remains a catalyst on the big stage in Brazil.
Sunday Mba – He may just have endured relegation from Ligue 2, but that’s hardly Mba’s fault. Mba who was impressive at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa where he scored winning goals in the team’s quarterfinal and final games against the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso respectively; couldn’t help his side from dropping to the National League in France. A worthy entry into this list.
Gabriel Reuben- A surprise inclusion in the 30-man squad. Gabriel Reuben has played only seven games in 357 minutes for the two teams (Kilmarnock and Waasland-Beveren) he has represented this season. First, he was released by Scottish club Kilmarnock, bringing an end to his three-year contract and hasn’t added to his ten caps prior to the Nations Cup triumph in South Africa.
Ejike Uzoenyi – Produced a brilliant performance at the just concluded CHAN Cup of Nations that brought him to limelight. Has the ability to play both genuine width and is comfortable on the left.
Ramon Azeez – The former Flying Eagles skipper played his way into the national team on his debut against Mexico in Miami with a brilliant performance. Azeez is enjoying a regular play with Almeria.
Nosa Igiebor - Could be a great hope for Nigeria if he rediscovers the form that shot him to prominence with the national U-23 team but few of us have seen much from him over the last 12 months to suggest that he can be the missing playmaker the Super Eagles crave for in Brazil. He has not kicked a ball since his side’s 2-0 loss at home to Athletic Club on the 23rd of February this Year.
Joel Obi – Looking like a fantasy option at this point. The midfielder may have all of the raw materials, but his record of four start and three substitute appearances since arriving at Parma does not bode well for a combative midfield Keshi craves for. May well need a miracle to make the final 23.
Michael Uchebo - Having played one game for the Super Eagles Uchebo will find it difficult to dislogde an experienced Sunday Mba for that attacking role.
ATTACKERS:
Nnamdi Oduamadi – Admittedly, criticism has come his way, and was poor when played out of position against Italy, but Oduamadi can provide goals from midfield and was a match-winner in the AFCON qualifier against Kenya in Calabar.
Victor Moses – Had a very disappointing season with Liverpool,having failed to impress since arriving at Anfield,leaving him on the Reds bench. His quality is not in doubt though and could respond to his struggles at Liverpool with a strong showing in Brazil. His pace and direct running should be effective in keeping opposition defences on the backfoot.
Emmanuel Emenike – Anyone who witnessed the disappointing showing at the Confederations Cup will know just how important Emenike is as the Super Eagles’ spearhead. He was the AFCON top scorer and a game-changer in the play-off against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa,and has put up some fine,though inconsistent showing on his €13m return to Turkish side Fernabahce,which has seen him score 12goals in 28games helping them to the Turkish Super Lig title.
Ahmed Musa - The electrifying paced winger could just be Nigeria’s secret weapon in Brazil. He may be inconsistent, but his pace and imagination might be vital in wide or central positions.
Peter Odemwingie – By far the most controversial name on the list. However, he might be worth assessing closely,having already asked for pardon from Nigerians after his fall-out with the NFF,a glistering form with Stoke City in the Premier League,should see his chances improved.
Shola Ameobi – Not a prolific goal-scorer, but Ameobi does offer a valuable aerial threat and has adapted well to the demands of international football. He impressed against Italy and have a goodl chance of making the trip to Brazil.
Michael Babatunde – Despite being highly rated in Ukraine, Babatunde Michael remains a dark horse in this list and will have to do the extra-ordinary to make it to Brazil despite chalking up 22 appearances for his modest side Volyn.
Uche Nwofor – Another surprise inclusion in the list. The former VVV Venlo has not featured for Heerenveen since November last year.
Obinna Nsofor – His return to the national team has generated mixed feelings and he has failed to reignite the lost flame he was known for in attack. He last scored a goal in the Russian league against FK Krasnodar in 2012.
Keshi seems to seek loyalty in his team, by parading young and dynamic players that can listen and obey his instructions. All eyes await Keshi's final 23 man squad,due to be released 10 days before the June 12 kick-off in Brazil.
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