If fully fit and flying, we all know the surefire likely starters under Head Coach Finidi George. These include the likes of Osimhen, Lookman, Iwobi, Ndidi, Ekong, Aina and possibly Iheanacho, unless of course any of them has a misunderstanding resulting in an almighty fallout with Finidi.
But, who are the regular substitutes likely to push their way into the Super Eagles starting 11 in the next 2 years if all are fit? I too beam my starting 11 search light on 8 such players:
1) Terem Moffi: the long term formation used by Finidi might favourably swing the pendulum Moffi’s way. Playing 2 strikers up front greatly enhances his chances even if the likes of Boniface, Awoniyi, Onuachu, Dessers, Iheanacho and Umar are all fit. His runs, communication, selflessness and movements make him a viable support striker.
However, if Finidi elects for a lone centre forward, Moffi’s chances of displacing Osimhen is non-existent. In this set up, he may even struggle to displace Onuachu or Awoniyi. Each of these two will fight hard to prove they are a better all round industrious lone center forward with more compelling guile and goals threat.
Verdict: with 2 upfront, 8/10 starting 11 chance. With 1 upfront, just 3/10 chance. Overall, Moffi will find it tough forcing his way into the starting 11 regularly.
2) Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: he has a mountain to climb to become a Super Eagles starter in the next 3 years. In the case of a lone attacking midfielder, he will struggle to unseat a fit Iwobi. With 2 attacking midfielders, the likes of Leicester converted attacking midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Frank Onyeka and even Ibrahim Olawoyin might prove too stubborn to topple. Even Joe Aribo might turn a corner for good and provide credible competition. But, he can actually pack any of these to the side with compelling consistency when called upon.
Verdict: in a 1 man attacking midfield philosophy, his chances are 0/10. In a 2 man attacking midfield, his chances are 6/10. Overall, Bashiu's starting 11 status seems slim.
3) Maduka Okoye: Finidi wants his goalkeeper to be comfortable playing out from behind. I sense he is also seeking leadership from his goalkeeper. Playing regularly in club football is also an added bonus. Current number one, Stanley Nwabili, ticks all the boxes. The only factor working in favour of Okoye is the calibre of league he plays.
Nwabili's heroics at the Afcon will live long in the memory but Okoye's mistakes in the Super Eagles lives longer.
Verdict: unless Nwabili experiences a dip in form, the chances of Okoye reclaiming his slot is 5/10.
4) Paul Onuachu: he will always feel he has done enough to deserve an automatic starting 11 slot. But, with a lone centre forward philosophy, Osimhen reigns supreme. Osimhen's raw pace, bruising style, all action ubiquitous approach is unmatched.
With 2 strikers up front, Onuachu’s chances are greatly enhanced. He can give Awoniyi, Moffi, Dessers, Umar, and Iheanacho a run for their money. But all these other options appear to cover more blades of grass and offer more gravitas than Onuachu.
Verdict: his chances as a lone centre forward are 0/10 but as a Support Striker, 5/10. Overall, his lack of pace and limited centre forward flair severely curtails his Super Eagles starting 11 ambitions.
5) Sodiq Ismail: all eyes would be on how he contributes to attacking initiatives, the quality of his pullouts and his defensive No-nonsense approach. If he gets a chance and plays his cards well, the left back has a genuine chance of overthrowing Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Jamilu Collins, all of whom have delivered below-the-weather displays at left back for the Super Eagles lately.
Verdict: a strong impression will cement his starting 11 slot despite being homebased. 7/10
6) Alhassan Yusuf: but for injury and a change of approach by former coach Peseiro in the Afcon, Yusuf was set to be a revel in the Super Eagles attacking midfield. His ambitious runs, deadly driven passes, cunning crosses and all round disciplined positional play caught the eye. But he struggled after returning into a more defensive centre midfield role.
Going forward, he now has the likes of Aribo, Iwobi, Dele-Bashiru, Olawoyin, Onyeka and Ndidi to contend with.
Verdict: in a centre midfield approach, his starting 11 chances are 0/10. With 2 attacking midfielders, his chances are 5/10.
7) Benjamin Tianimu: I honestly think that his starting 11 chances are supremely negligible. It is inconceivable to see him displace any of Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey or even Awaziem. Then the likes of Akpoguma, Torunariga and even versatile Ebuehi are staying at the wings. All these other options are more hugely experienced with high level scanning, position, tackling and interception skills.
Verdict: his starting 11 chances look dire. 1/10.
8) Ibrahim Olawoyin: should he bring his A game to the fore when called upon with physicality and intelligence with the use of the ball, then he might just be an unlikely starter under any conceivable midfield constellation.
Verdict: his starting 11 chances are 5/10.
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