Following an impressive outing by the Super Eagles Home-based team at the CHAN tournament, many football followers have been speculating the chances of seeing some of the team’s top performers in the main Super Eagles team, even more, be part of the team that would travel to Russia.
In this post, Brila.net takes a look at 5 players from the CHAN squad that may get the attention of Gernot Rohr as Russia 2018 draws closer.
- Dele Ajiboye.
The name of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007 winner always comes up when the question of – who should be Nigeria’s number 1 at Russia 2018? comes up.
Though the Plateau United shot-stopper played a brief role at the last CHAN tournament he was instrumental in the Semifinal triumph which saw Nigeria qualify for the final for the first time.
The long-term injury of Carl Ikeme, inconsistent performance of S.A based Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa’s reliability still in check, Dele Ajiboye may have to use a chance against Poland/Serbia to convince Rohr.
- Stephen Eze
The Locomotiv Plovdiv defender was a towering wall for the CHAN Eagles at the Morocco tourney.
His pair with Kalu Orji helped the defence to maintain stability (though same can’t be said for that final performance).
Though the Super Eagles don’t look deficient in the defence department, considering the understanding of the “oyibo wall” Eze being a backup defender won’t be a bad idea, right?
- Ikhouwen Utin
The young talent stole our hearts away with a dazzling performance at the CHAN tournament.
He bossed the Left-back position and it was amazing. Breaking into the main Super Eagles first team may seem difficult considering the depth the team already have in that position (Elderson Echiejile, Ola Aina, Brian Idowu), However, a run in for Ikhouwen at the March friendlies will be nice.
- Dayo Ojo
Ok, this may be asking too much. That midfield position is “all set”, nevertheless, the Sunshine Star flamboyant midfielder had a decent tournament last month. And we know Poland/Serbia is just a friendly
- Gabriel Okechukwu
Of course, Gabriel would make the list. In just two games at CHAN, the Akwa United goal merchant made a bold statement.
The other attackers – Sunday Faleye, Emeka Ogbuh and Anthony Okpotu though didn’t have a completely bad tourney but you see Gabriel?
If he works more on his game he may (just may) be in the plane to Russia
But Poland/Serbia is a test he will have to pass.
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