Super Eagles Provisional List For The World Cup - Part 2

Hello everyone, I believe we are all rearing to go now. Believe it or not the World Cup is getting closer, it seems just like yesterday when Spain created history 4 years ago. That is why we have to do or carry out our personal plans within a reasonable time frame. A verse I like in the bible clearly illustrates this and I quote "Teach us to number our days". 

Anyway back to the real issue, every team's list have been submitted to meet FIFA's deadline of the 16th of May 2014 .This week, I will continue with the breakdown of the Nigerian National Provisional Team List. Last week we looked at the Goalkeepers and Defenders. We will look at the Midfield Department now.


John Mikel Obi (Chelsea)England

The most high profiled  Nigerian player in the entire squad. He has always  been in the limelight since his controversial move to Chelsea. A very good central midfield, with good vision and crisp passes. Mikel has endured a torrid time among the Nigerian football fans and journalists due to their perception on his lack of dedication when he wears the green shirt - but all that changed when Keshi took over.
He missed the last World Cup due to an injury but he will relish the opportunity this time around. He would most likely be playing the advance midfield role which defer from his primary position with Chelsea. He started most of this season games from the bench. Fear were that when the mundial begins he would show sign of match rustiness but if his performance against Atletico Madrid is anything to go by, he seems sharp and there shouldn't be any worries.


Verdict : Definitely in Brazil.


Ramon Azeez (Almeria)Spain

One of the success stories of the under 17 team of 2009; his manner of progression has been very stead and rapid. He was the captain of the Flying Eagles (Under 20 team) at the under 17 World Cup in 2011. He is a very effective and hardworking midfielder. He was promoted to the senior team in the Spanish club Almeria and started virtually most of the games this season, scoring 3 goals in the process. His effort helped his club from the brink of relegation. His club form prompted his invitation to the Super Eagles, He featured at the friendly game against Mexico last March.

Verdict: He would have to put in 200% to upstage the established stars in his position, though his mates at the under 17 (Ogenyi Onazi and Kenneth Omeruo) have already established themselves, he would be good for the future but I doubt if he would make the cut.


Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio)Italy

Another product of the under 17 that featured in 2009, Onazi has become one of Keshi's greatest revelation - His opportunity came when Fengor Ogudor got suspended during the African Cup of Nations in South Africa. He took his chance and has not looked back, very mobile, good on the attack and generally in the mould of  box to box midfielder. Since coming on the scene, our midfield has suddenly become a joy to watch. He can be described as the engine room of the midfield. His presence has given Mikel the freedom to roam upfront. His scintillating form for his club has not gone unnoticed as Liverpool have been keeping an eye on the 21 year old player. The World Cup could not have come at a better time as he is destined to move to a top club after the World Cup.


Verdict: Nigerians should pray he does not get injured as it would be a massive blow to the team. Definitely in Brazil.









Joel Obi (Parma)Italy

Made his debut for the national team against Sierra Leone under Samson Siasia. Very Hard working and a good tackler. His impact would be felt when he is fit. Injury has been his short coming and he was sideline for some months. Currently on loan from Inter Milan to Parma. His invitation was quite a surprise having been off the National team radars for over 2 years. A fully fit Joel Obi will fight for his team, the sort of  players Keshi wants.

Verdict : If he re-enact his previous performance of the past, he might just nick into the final 23. 



Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese) Italy

The AC Milan player forced his way courtesy a very important equaliser against Kenya, since then he has been constantly invited to the national team. He became the first African player to score a hat trick during the Confederation Cup. Very slick with good dribbling attributes. Many have frowned at his invitation - with a string of poor performances coupled with injuries have not done enough to enhance his cause. He went on loan twice this season, He would have to fight hard by the skin of his teeth to get on the plane to Brazil




Verdict : As much as I like him as a person, I am not too sure he will make the final cut.


Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers) Nigeria

This diminutive left winger has been part of Keshi's set up. He was on loan to top French club Rennes for 6 months after the African Cup Of Nations but he could not secure a permanent deal. Very fast and tricky - He reinvented himself at the last African Nations Championship (Chan - Competition designed for local based players in Africa), voted the best player of the tournament. His superlative performance earned him the invitation for the World Cup.


Verdict: if there is any home based player that would be part of the squad, it should be Ejike. His blistering pace would an addendum to the team. Will make the cut.


Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis) Spain

Nosa is a very valuable option as a play-maker. His creative capability and power could be  important offensive weapons for the team. Nosa would need to justify his inclusion in the team as memories of his lackluster  performance at the last African Cup Of Nations will ring in the minds of the technical crew. He played more than 26 games for his relegated club scoring 2 goals in the process. He has had his own fare share of injuries as well - fitness might be a major concern.



Verdict: On this day he should make the squad but his fitness will play a crucial role in deciding whether he makes the team or not.




 Sunday Mba (Bastia) France

The story of Nigeria's  African Cup Of Nations conquest would not be complete without  the Sunday Mba, His goals against Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso proved to be crucial to Nigeria's campaign in South Africa. Quite skillful with dribbling abilities but porous passes lets him down occasionally. His landmark performance at the African Cup Of Nations caused a major ownership tussle between Warri Wolves and Enugu Ranger. Both clubs were concerned about the financial remuneration that would result from his sale to an European club. He joined French second division club Bastia and was able to manage 4 goals even though the club still got relegated.


Verdict: His 2 goals at the African Cup Of Nations seem to be the leverage he is riding on as he has had strings of poor of performances for Nigeria afterwards. He is most likely going to Brazil as the Big boss - Stephen Keshi would always stick with players that fights for him.



Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren) Belgium

A talented box to box midfielder who is yet to realise his full potential. He was in Kano Pillars when Keshi first invited him to the national team set up. He is quite powerful in the middle and could be a huge presence in the front of back four. He was an unused substitute during the last African Cup Of Nations. Unfortunately for the dark complexioned midfielder; He has been plagued with injuries in recent past, coupled with his unsuccessful spell with top Scottish side Kilmarnock. Much cannot be made of his current form since moving to Belgium.

Verdict : Would be quite surprised if makes the team.




Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk) Ukraine

Another midfielder who came to the limelight shortly before the Confederation Cup last year. He was a surprise inclusion to the 30 man list. Judging by his game at the Confederation Cup, he was quite pedestrian on the pitch and  frankly he is not yet ready for top flight international games. However Stephen Keshi must be seeing what most football fans cannot see.



Verdict: Am not too sure he will make the team but an invitation to the national team prior to the a major competition will be a major boost to his CV



NB : Nigeria V/S Scotland @ Craven Cottage London. Date:28th May 2014. Kick off Time: 8.00pm

 
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