With the Africa Cup of Nations qualification game against South Africa billed to take place on November 17, Sports247.ng’s Ademetan Abayomi picks six players that need to be part of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Sebastien Osigwe [Kriens]
Francis Uzoho has made the Nigeria number one jersey his own over the past 11 months, but the Elche stopper was jittery against Libya last night.
Stats have shown the goalkeeper has conceded half of the shots he has faced. Within a team that dominates possession like Nigeria, a goalkeeper needs to be reliable when called upon and Libya has shown he isn’t the right man for the job at the moment.
Osigwe is an excellent shot stopper and is more demanding of his area than Uzoho, while the passion shown by the Kriens keeper in the Swiss Challenge League would be a welcome addition to the side.
Ifeanyi Matthew [Lillestrom]
With Wilfred Ndidi’s suspension following accumulated cards, Nigeria will be missing someone to dominate the midfield against South Africa. Ogenyi Onazi and Joel Obi have both failed to impress in the role.
The answer to the problem may be Lillestrom’s Ifeanyi Matthew who has been outstanding in the Norwegian top flight this term.
An energetic, strong and quick player, Matthew has added control and fight to the Lillestrom set up.
Ibukun Akinfenwa [Primero Augusto]
With all the possession the Super Eagles look short of any ideas or creativity on the pitch.
The Super Eagles need to add spark back into their midfield and the man to do it could be Akinfenwa.
He is dangerous from anywhere on the pitch with excellent vision and set piece deliveries.
Chisom Egbuchulam [Falkenbergs FF]
Egbuchulam does not only possess great skills, pace and strength, but the 26-year-old is also a danger because of his mobile, which has seen him net a number of goals for Falkenbergs in Sweden.
Kingsley Michael [Perugia]
The youngster is already being compared to Emmanuel Amunike, and if he continues his rapid development then he should be the undoubted successor to Victor Moses on the right hand side.
Ebere Onuachu [Midtjylland]
His height and strength make Ebere Onuachu a perfect target man, while the striker is also predatory in and around the box, and would link play excellently alongside Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo.
