The Super Eagles of Nigeria would return to international duty next week for the first time since the Coronavirus and fans have been anticipating to see the new flock of young talents back on the pitch so they could watch their favorite in the green colors once again.
One of the Super Eagles’ talent in the person of Victor Osihmen became Africa’s most expensive player after an 80 million pounds move (plus add ons) from Lille to SSC Napoli in August after impressing for the French outfit last season before the league was ended due to the Corona Virus. Osihmen is not the only super Eagles star who has made a move in the Super Eagles starting 11 could look with the current crop of players.
Goalkeeper; Francis Uzoho
This is a position where Gernot Rohr is still yet to fix since the departure of veteran super Eagles goalie and former Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama retired from international duty. Carl Ikeme was doing well after Enyeama left but unfortunately, his career came to an end due to health issues and Gernot Rohr has tried so a few names but none of them have completely convinced fans of their abilities to fill in the gloves of Enyeama. However, Francis Uzoho who recently joined APOEL seems to be the coach’s favorite so for now, 21-year-old Uzoho gets the nod.
Defender; Leon Balogun
The veteran center back recently secured a move to the Scottish outfits, Rangers and the 32-year-old seems to be fighting to get back into the starting 11 in the national team. Semi Ajayi is also making a case with the national team with his recent performance for the Super Eagles but the ‘Oyinbo Wall’ will not be cracked that easily.
Defender; Williams Troost-Ekong
The other half of the oyinbo wall, Williams Stroot-Ekong has been a regular for Gernot Rohr’s Eagles and will keep his place in the team. The 27-year-old plays in the Serie A for Udinese and is playing regularly for the club. Ekong also played a huge role in the Super Eagles team in the world cup and AFCON and has been a decent performer.
Left-Back; Ola Aina
The Chelsea academy graduate who is now at Fulham (on loan from Torino) played a crucial role in helping the Super Eagles to a third-place finish in the 2019 AFCON hosted by Egypt and provided two assists in the tournament. The 23-year-old is can also play at right-back but is okay playing from the left as he did in the AFCON. Jamilu Collins would provide competition for the left-back spot but Ola Aina has a better record for the national team.
Right-Back; Chidozie Awaziem
The 23-year-old has been selected for Nigeria in the World cup and the AFCON already and has put in decent showings in the green colors of the Super Eagles. The Super Eagles star is at Portuguese club Boavista on loan from Porto. The defender can also play in the center back position and could be an option if the manager decides to play three at the back.
Defensive midfielder; Wilfred Ndidi
Leicester city’s powerhouse Wilfred Ndidi is no doubt one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League and has put in a consistent fine display for both club and country. The 23-year-old midfielder is Gernot Rohr’s favorite player in the engine room and has been a reliable player for the Super Eagles.
Central midfielder; Joe Aribo
The 24-year-old who is another Super Eagles player playing for Scottish outfit, Rangers and has been very impressive for the team. He has also made an excellent start to his international career with the Super Eagles putting out the fine display in friendly games against Brazil and Ukraine. He has also proved his abilities in front of the goal after appearing on the score sheet in those friendlies. So, the national team might not miss Mikel Obi because Joe has shown his abilities to fill in the void.
Attacking midfielder; Alex Iwobi
The Everton man is has played a huge part in Gernot Rohr’s team since he made his debut and the 24-year-old is set to be among the current flock of talent that the manager is developing in the National team. He is also one of few young players in the team who has been called to the Super Eagles team for the previous two tournaments.
Left-winger; Ahmed Musa
The 27-year-old who plays in the Saudi Arabian league for Al-Nassr is Super Eagles most experienced forward in the team and provides the balance between youthfulness and experience in the attack. The super eagle’s star has a record four goals in the World Cup and is a useful asset to the team with his leadership on and off the pitch.
Center forward; Victor Osihmen
The 21-year-old SSC Napoli star who is Africa’s most expensive player is one of Super Eagles’finest talent at the moment. Victor Osihmen struggled to hit the ground running in his professional career after series of setbacks with transfers and health problems with malaria but after his move to Lille in the summer of 2019 followed by an impressive season that earned him a move to Napoli, his story changed. He has grown to become one of the best young talents in Europe.
Right-winger; Samuel Chukwueze
The 21-year-old Villareal star has fought his way into the Nigerian national team starting 11 and has impressed the fans with his performance for both Club and country. Chukwueze has been linked with a move to the Premier League as a result of his fine display for Villareal. However, he still has a lot of work to do with his finishing but he is still young and got time on his side.
