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AFCON Qualifier : 5 Super Eagles Selection Questions Facing Rohr As Camp Opens

Published

4 years ago

Mar 22, 2021.

From a base of high expectations, Rohr has managed to create an atmosphere of considerable optimism around Nigeria these past years
His players prepare to storm camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho.
His unwavering trust in youth and willingness to get creative with his tactics have given Nigeria a fresh look and shifted the dynamics of the squad in interesting ways.

Gernot Rohr now has good options and intriguing decisions to make across the pitch, and the team he picks against Benin Republic will tell us a lot about what to expect from Lesotho tie.

EKO HOT BLOG runs through the five main selection dilemmas facing Rohr as the Super Eagles camp opens on Monday, 22nd March 2021.

(1.) Who starts at the left wing?

Ahmed Musa is the clear favourite due to the fact that Moses Simon and Samuel Kalu are unavailable.

It would be the shock of all shocks if Musa got the nod, after Rohr claimed that his skipper will only act as an observer having last played in October 2020.

Rohr wants a modern left winger who can go past the opponents smoothly in addition to possessing sound fundamentals. Anayo Iwuala’s more polished technique gives him the edge.

The Franco-German’s decision is likely to be based on philosophy as much as on talent.

(2.) Ola Aina or Zaidu Sanusi on the left?

This is the most interesting choice. Zaidu Sanusi is desperate to remind everyone of his quality following a below show against Sierra Leone, but Aina, having clawed and reinvented himself has more than earned his chance.

Aina is a perfect user of the ball. He will always show quality upfront. But Sanusi’s power, athleticism, intensity and defensive intelligence tick all of Rohr’s boxes – provided his mind and body are right.

(3.) Semi Ajayi or Leon Balogun in defence?

Balogun has found a way to make himself important for Rangers and has more big-game experience than anyone else in Rohr’s back line. His leadership qualities could be even more valuable next to the talented but occasionally wayward Chidozie Awaziem.

Yet Ajayi’s elegance on the ball is a cleaner fit for the progressive style Rohr wants. The answer he settles on could change depending on the pattern.

(4.) Wilfred Ndidi or Oghenekaro Etebo as the “pivot”?

Rohr’s bold decision to commit to a dynamic midfield diamond has turned Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo into rivals for one spot.

Whoever sits in front of the back four will bear responsibility for controlling Nigeria’s direction and tempo in possession and sniffing out danger without the ball. It is a role every bit as taxing on the mind as on the body.

(5.) Are Kelechi Iheanacho or Paul Onuachu starters?

Some withdrawals may have simplified Rohr’s thinking ahead of the two games, but Leicester City star Kelechi Iheanacho is pushing hard for a place in Nigeria’s starting XI.

Iheanacho has scored seven goals in the last four games for the Foxes, and that kind of confidence terrifies defences. His pace and intelligence would make coexisting with Victor Osimhen up front relatively straightforward.

Lanky striker Paul Onuachu has hit over 25 league goals for KRC Genk in the Belgian top tier. He’s comfortable on the ball, big and spots danger coming.

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