What Do The Invited Players Offer?
I will try and not get dragged into the debate of the merit or lack thereof of the players invited to prosecute double-header October’s Afcon qualifiers against Libya.
The list is out and Eguavoen has to mastermind minimum 4 points from the encountered – full stop. Anything less will be unacceptable.
I take a look at all the invited players to see what they bring to the table.
Stanley Nwabali: The clean sheets are back again after Eguavoen reverted to 3-4-3 formation. With Okoye breathing down his neck, he will want to continue being solid in-between the sticks. He offers credibility and assurance with his starting position, interceptions and distribution which should be on full display again.
Maduka Okoye: Nothing beats having a top quality goalkeeper as number 2. He appears hungry and eager to reclaim his number one slot. The formation should also afford him ample protection should he taste any action. He brings determination and the league he plays adds a layer of quality to the Super Eagles. His reflexes and interceptions technique appear to have massively improved.
Amas Obasogie: Highly rated Amas is unlikely to don his gloves but if he does, fans will be eager to see what he what he brings. He has the properties of an “unknown quantity” in international football which can be beneficial. He is known as a shot stopper with decent parrying skills.
William Ekong: Barring unforeseen circumstances, he should retain his starting 11 slot. His leadership skills, all-round maturity and ability to read the game will be crucial to the success in these games. The timing of his interceptions is aging well.
Bright Osayi-Samuel: It remains to be seen whether he can bench Aina but one should expect him to at least make substitute appearance. His knack of being fouled in dangerous opposition areas following mazy overlapping runs with compelling take-ons is a boon. Fans are happy to see him back in the fold.
Bruno Onyemaechi: A revelation, his business-like attitude has endeared him to fans. Deserving of his place, he will be expected to generate attacking opportunities with overlapping runs and compelling crosses.
Oluwasemilogo Ajayi: Someway somehow, he has cemented himself in the starting 11. Aerial prowess offensively and defensively is his stock-in-trade. His contributions in set-piece routines always come in handy.
Calvin Bassey: With 3 at the back, his level of concentration improves. His delightful long balls and decent tackles are valuable assets.
Olaoluwa Aina: A firm fan-favourite, his take-on abilities, overlapping runs and delightful deliveries are notches to his belt. His inputs will be key to success.
Benjamin Tanimu: It’s hard to see him taste any action. If so, his tenacity, engine, versatility, willingness to do the dirty work are noticeable. Always feeling he has to prove himself, accepting him as a bona-fide Super Eagle will have to be “acquired-taste” for a vast majority of fans.
Wilfred Ndidi: Playing a more offensive role in club football has helped his sharpen his creativity and passing range. Being a senior member of the squad with vast experience endows him with quality which adds solidity to the midfield.
Raphael Onyedika: A straight fight for starting 11 slot between him and Dele-Bashiru. His more polished and balanced defensive and offensive presentation gives him an edge.
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi: Seen as lightweight by some but his ability to take flight with the ball is undeniable. Doubtful he will see action.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: A firm fan-favourite, he is a remarkable and incredible attacking midfielder. Traversing with the ball into the line of fire to take aim at goal will trouble the opposition; a real star player.
Frank Onyeka: What a player! Hard as nails; no-nonsense; rock solid; always nipping at the heels of opposition. Not the classiest but one of the bravest.
Alex Iwobi: Cute passes and decent movements that keep the midfield ticking along and creating decent openings upfront. His starting-11 slot is increasingly feeling fragile with emergence of others, who offer different dimensions in midfield,
Samuel Chukwueze: The dribbling abilities are still there though not as always effective. On his day he still causes problems to oppositions with darting runs, decent passes and delicate touches here and there. I actually still rate him highly as a Super Eagle; I can’t say the same for others though.
Chidera Ejuke: Back in the team to stake a claim. Selfishness and aimless dribbles were his blight previously. So long as he can demonstrate high football IQ, his pace, power and probing abilities tinged with purposeful dribbles and timely passes could elevate his presentation to the stratosphere of greatness.
Ademola Lookman: What can I say that hasn’t already been said? He oozes with confidence and finesse as his movements and contact with the ball generate boost and bounce all-round. He will arrest your attention and keep it delightfully incarcerated for the duration with his precision in front of goal and all round eloquence in application; world class!
Kelechi Iheanacho: A top quality centre forward who is slowly working his way back to full fitness. His work-rate has drastically diminished but his vision, quality and decent football IQ remain intact. You never really know which Iheanacho (effective or useless) will turn up.
Victor Boniface: Yet to hit the sweet spot in Super Eagles colours but not for the want of trying. Always getting into promising position, his exceptional technique on the ball, keen eye for goal and bruising style should yield profit in Super Eagles colours soon enough.
Moses Simon: His dribbles and take-on abilities are top notch. Now a senior member of the team, his neat deliveries and fluid movements are deadly arrows in his quiver. Another player that generates lift and excitement, his input will be colossal offensively and defensively.
Taiwo Awoniyi: Kind of hard to see what he brings to the table however he has been known to execute decent tap-ins when put on the plate for him.
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