Following the 30-man provisional list for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals released by Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, football stakeholders have applauded the squad saying it’s the best players Nigeria has at the moment.
Rohr’s 30-man Provisional squad was released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday.
Rohr named Captain Mikel Obi, goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile and Leon Balogun in Nigeria’s 30-man provisional list.
Others were midfielders Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo, including forwards Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses.
The list also includes Spain-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Joel Obi and John Ogu as well as forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi.
Chelsea wingback Moses was Nigeria’s top scorer in the qualifying campaign with three goals, while Captain Mikel, Iwobi, Simon and Iheanacho weighed in with two goals each.
A cross section of football enthusiasts has expressed confidence on the list with the inclusion of new players.
Former Super Eagles and Lazio striker Ayodele Makinwa has hailed Gernot Rohr for naming Simeone Nwankwo in his provisional squad.
“Rohr made a great choice selecting Simy because he is all you need in a striker for a team,” Makinwa said.
“Simy is an all-round striker. He is good at team play and when you need to go with the long thrust he is equally good.
“He’s a different kind of striker to Odion Ighalo who is the team’s first choice and thats the more reason why he should probably be in the squad as a back-up but that’s left to Rohr to decide. He is highly rated here in Italy.”
Nduka Ugbade, an ex-international and former assistant coach of the Nigeria U-17 national football team expressed satisfaction with Rohr’s selection.
“I think the list is made up of the usual suspects and these are the players that we should indeed be taking to the World Cup.
“Looking at our options upfront, I think the likes of Ighalo, Moses and Iheanacho should be able to keep their jerseys barring any injury worries.
“I am also so thrilled to see Lokosa’s name on that 30-man provisional list. He truly deserves it especially having scored 18 goals in 20 games for Kano Pillars in the NPFL so far this season.
“I think he needs to be encouraged and let’s see how far he can go in competing for a shirt and it will be a major surprise if the young man makes it to the World Cup.
“However, even if he does not make it to Russia, the experience in the Super Eagles camp and training will be very good for his growth and development,” he said.
Also, Emmanuel Babayaro, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold medalist, noted that Junior Lokosa’s call up was the biggest surprise in the list.
“I think the list is okay, seriously looking forward to see if Nigeria can finally break that last 16 hurdle and get to the quarters for the first time and hopefully Russia is where history will be made
“I am delighted that at least three home-based players namely; Dele Ajiboye, Junior Lokosa and Ikechukwu Ezenwa made the provisional list.
“The goalkeepers however need to train thrice harder and work more on their confidence. I tip Uzoho for first choice,” he said.
“The list is the collection of best players Nigeria currently has,” said Sam Sodje, former Super Eagles defender. He further expressed confidence in Rohr’s technical competence and believes the German will name the best in his final 23-man squad for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in June 2nd.
The Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals is scheduled to kickoff from June 14 to July 15.
Anthony Nlebem
