Super Eagles Provisional List for the World Cup - Part 1

Hello everyone,I have not posted for while but I am back now with a bang. After the twist and turn witnessed in the tops leagues in Europe, attention would now shift  turned to World Cup,which is one of the biggest Sporting event in the World.All the national teams are expected to submit there provisional list by the 16th of May,2014 - some teams have already put their provisional list forward - the 2 other teams in Nigeria's group have put their provisional list together i.e Iran and Bosnia & Herzegovina. 

In fact Brazil has made the boldest move by name their 23 squad to the World Cup which they will be host in less than a month time.But back to what concern me and majority of Nigerians,the Super Eagles Manager Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has named 30 provisional squad which would be trimmed down to the final 23 to be submitted to FIFA by 2nd of June 2014. As usual, there were several deliberations between Keshi's  technical crew and the Technical Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation before the list was published last week.The list when eventually released was with mixed reactions due to some names either included or omitted.

 For the benefits of some of my friend who are not to conversant with the present Super Eagles i will attempt to give a comprehensive break of the 30 member provisional list . This week I would look at goalkeepers and defenders.


Goalkeepers

Vincent Enyeama  Lille (France)

Vincent has been the best thing to happen to Nigeria since Peter Rufai retired,Since his debut against England 2002, the former Eyimba of Aba golie has not looked back.He has grown in leaps and bound.He had a very successful spell at Isreal, winning the best player of the year while at Hopoel Tel Aviv. He joined the French outfit Lille in 2011 but was confined to the bench.The exit of  Rudi Garcia (now at Roma)  and former legendary goalkeeper Mickael Landreau opened the door for Vincent this season and it would be fair to conclude that the success of Lille this season would not be complete with Vincent Enyeama - Keeping a clean sheet for 1060 minutes,2nd best goalkeeper in the French league and winning Marc Vivien Foe award (Best African in the French League) are all testament to  Vincent's immense quality.His superlative form would be an additional  boost to Nigeria's aspiration in Brazil

Verdict : To say he will make the squad is an understatement,He is already in Brazil




Austin Ejide Hapoel Be'er Sheva (Isreal)

Austin Ejide has been with Super Eagles as long as Vincent Enyeama has been. Another top quality goal keeper who ply his trade in Isreal. I dare say that Ejide is equally as good as Vincent, in fact he has more physical  presence in goal than Vincent. He has been in the shadows of Vincent not because he is not good enough, but simply Vincent is just  there at moment.God forbid in the case Vincent sustains an injury, he would not be missed as he would get adequate cover in Austin. However he has had his fair share of injuries but hopefully he would be free from injuries.

Verdict : He is definitely in Brazil


Chigozie Agbim Gombe United (Nigeria)

He is one of the home based players invited to the squad,He was the third goalkeeper during the African Cup of Nation  and Confederation Cup respectively. He finally had the chance to showcase himself during the African Championship Cup (Competition hosted for locally based players in African) and he was not to convincing in goal.This  raised a lot  question among football followers. Many called for him never to be invited again. However Chigozie hardly had any playing time for his club - Ranger FC last season,this led to some rising to his defence that he was match rusty. Some Nigerian journalist who follows the Nigerian league feels that if Keshi should take any home based goalkeeper,it shouldn't be Agbim as there are more capable hands Okemute Odah of Warri Wolves and Femi Thomas of Eyimba.Well Keshi will always stick to his faithful lieutenants. However Agbim seems to have got his grove back courtesy of a regular playing time with his new club Gombe United.



Verdict : Will be in Brazil not necessarily based on his ability or prowess but because  he is  on the "Big Boss" good books. 


Dan Akpeyi - Hertland (Owerri)

The fourth Goalkeeper who plays for Heartland of Owerri, unless one of the goalkeepers above gets injured, i believe he would only benefit form the privilege of a national call up, He was an unused substitute  during the African Nations Championship hosted in South Africa earlier this year.





Verdict : Would be content with the call up,unless there is injury concern to any of the above.He won't make the cut


Defenders


Elderson Echiejile Monaco (France )

He has been Keshi's first choice in the Left Back position,He was previously in the shadows of Taiye Taiwo who has been ostracised since Keshi arrived.The former FC Braga player has grown in confidence and occasionally supports the attack. His move to Monaco in the January transfer window seems to have stalled his progress as he had to be contend with seating on the bench.He played some games here and there toward the end of the season. One can only hope that he would not be match rusty when it matters most.



Verdict : Definitely in Brazil


Efe Ambrose Celtic (Scotland )

From a shaky start under Samson Siasia  (former Super Eagles manger),He has grown in confidence and his move to Celtic increased his profile,playing  in the Champions League further gave him the top class exposure.Ambrose is a versatile player and can play in the central defence,defensive Midfield and the Right Back position which has been his position under Keshi. Quite comfortable on the ball,very good advancing forward but tend to loose concentration and does leave his position exposed at times .

Verdict : No competition at the moment,a sure starter and would most like play all the games.


Godfrey Oboabona  Rizespor (Turkey)

The former Sunshine of Akure's captain was one of Keshi's recruitment from the local league. He formed a formidable  partnership with Kenneth Omeruo at the last African Cup of Nations. After a nervy start in the national team he has grown to be a fortress in the heart of the defence. His performance for the national team and  his local club (Sunshine Stars of Akure) earned him a move to the Turkish league. He has shown that he is not intimidated to contend against the super stars as he clearly asserted  himself against the likes  Didier Drogba Luis Suarez etc.He would want to use the World Cup to increase his stock as a top class defender

Verdict : going by precedence,he would most like play all the games in Brazil


Azubuike Egwuekwe Warri Wolves (Nigeria)

Another home based lad who has been one of Keshi's faithful.He played some important games particularly in the absence Kenneth Omeruo  who got injured in the last game of the Confederation Cup. Strong and could be imposing. However his mobility and judgement gives cause for concern. The Warri Wolves Captain would most likely be an additional cover if he makes the final cut.






Verdict: Part of Keshi's set up,he stands a 70% chance of securing a seat to Brazil,He would need to proof himself this time around.


Kenneth Omeruo Chelsea (England)

At 21 the former Under 17 international is already showing the traits of a world class defender,very composed on and off the ball, and quite quick,the Chelsea man was sent on loan to Middlesbrough FC and he was a huge success under Aitor Karanka. Such was his success that some of the fans want him back.While he is already back with his parent Club-Chelsea,He would be using the World Cup to convince Jose Murinho that he is ready for the first team shirt in the central defence position or sell himself to other top clubs within the English Premiership or top clubs in Europe. He s most likely to be paired with his regular partner Godfrey Oboabona.

Verdict : Starting 11 guaranteed.


Juwon Oshaniwa Ashdod (Isreal)

He was part of Stephen Keshi's home base project.He played for Sharks of Port Harcourt before moving to Asdod of Isreal. He plays the left back position and would most probably be an additional cover in the defence line. He was on the bench for the most part of  the African Cup of Nations until Elderson Echiejile got injured in the finals against Burkina Faso.Good going forward and a hard tackler but often loose concentration when it matters.




Verdict: Would be quite a challenge to make the final list. Would have to fight extra hard.


Joseph Yobo Norwich(England)

The most capped Super Eagles player- has been a regular since 2001 when he made his debut for the national team. He has been at the heart of the central defence position after the retirement of Taribo West. Very quick and got good positioning however he tends to loose concentration at crucial moment. He lost his place to Kenneth Omeruo after picking up an injury against Burkina Faso in the first game. After the African Cup he was snubbed by Keshi... after strings of poor performance at his Turkish club Fernabache, he was relegated to the bench.In bid to save his international career he sealed a loan move to Norwich.He seems to be more comfortable in the English Premiership as he settle in quickly. He would most like be on the bench if selected and would make the few cameo appearances .

Verdict : Having capped two World Cup appearances, His experience could be of valuable asset.In my opinion,his selection in  the final 23  would be more honorary rather than his present form suggest


Kunle Odunlami Sunshine Star (Nigeria)

The Sunshine Stars of Akure Central Defender was a revelation at the African Nations Champions (CHAN). He is very strong, good positional attributes and very confident in the middle.He looks to me more comfortable on the ball. If Egwuekwe misses out on the final cut, it  would be because of this man who would look to force his way into the team


 
Verdict : He stand a good chance if takes his opportunity. Would have to put in a more convincing  performance to force his way into the squad.


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