Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has released the 30-man provisional list for the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The list had very few surprises with inform forwards, Junior Lokosa and Simmy Nwankwo making the list. The squad is expected to resume camp on the 21st of May in Uyo. However, the final squad of just 23 players will be released on or before the deadline on June 4.
Today, we look at the possible 23 players who could make the Super Eagles squad going to Russia.
Possible 23 Man Squad Of The Super Eagles For The 2018 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers:
Gernot Rohr named four goalkeepers in his provisional list, with Dele Alampasu missing out on the list. Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho, Daniel Akpeyi, and Plateau United shot-stopper Dele Ajiboye. Three goalkeepers are expected to make the list of 23.
I expect all, except Delete Ajiboye to make the final squad. The starting spot will be a battle between Uzoho and Ezenwa.
Defenders:
10 very good defenders were called up in the provisional list. Gernot Rohr will obviously name eight defenders in the final squad. Two players for each position, one as a backup. We already know the coach’s preferred back four of Shehu Abdullahi, Ekong, Balogun and Echiejile. Four more players will be added to this current ones, and two will be dropped. Players who are versatile will have an edge. I’m expecting Ebuehi, Omeruo, Awaziem, and Idowu to make the final list. Stephen Eze and Ola Aina might miss out.
Midfielders:
Nigeria’s midfielder position is up for grabs for only inform players. The friendly matches against Congo and England will play a part in deciding who makes the final 23 man list. 8 players were named in the 30-man provisional list, but 6 are likely to make the final cut. Mikel, Onazi and Ndidi already have their place in the squad after their strong showings in the qualifications. Uche Agbo and Mikel Agu the likely players to miss out on the final list, they have not done anything to cement their place in the National team.
Forwards:
This is where the real competition lies. There so many in-form attacking options at the disposal of Gernot Rohr. The recent form of Simmy Nwankwo, Junior Lokosa and Kelechi Iheanacho will give the coach a serious selection headache. The versatility of the forwards and their performance in the friendly games will determine who makes the squad. The real competition will be between Moses Simon, Junior Lokosa and Simeon Nwankwo. Although I’m expecting the competition to be stiff, I expect Simeon Nwankwo to edge out Moses Simon and Lokosa, if he performs well in the friendlies.
The possible Nigerian 23 Man List For The World Cup
Goalkeepers:
Ikechukwu Ezenwa
Francis Uzoho
Daniel Akpeyi
Defenders:
Abdullahi Shehu
Tyronne Ebuehi
Elderson Echiejile
Brian Idowu
Chidozie Awaziem
William Ekong
Leon Balogun
Kenneth Omeruo
Midfielders:
Mikel John Obi
Ogenyi Onazi
Wilfred Ndidi
Oghenekaro Etebo
John Ogu
Joel Obi
Forwards:
Ahmed Musa
Kelechi Iheanacho
Victor Moses
Odion Ighalo
Alex Iwobi
Nwankwo Simeon
There could be a few surprises, so we might never know. But baring dips in form and injuries, this is the most likely 23 man squad. We hope the best players make the list and do Nigerians proud in Russia, come June.
