The Super Eagles face Seychelles in an African Nations Cup qualifier that is insignificant given that Nigeria has before now secured qualification for the tournament scheduled to hold in Egypt.
Whatever result that comes the way of the Super Eagles on Friday will count for nothing hence I expect Coach Gernot Rohr to use the game as a preparatory match for the Nations Cup in June.
Despite the insignificance of the match to be played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the response of the players have been quite commendable as no fewer than 18 of them are already in camp as the time of filing this write-up.
About 11 players; Ahmed Musa, Paul Onuachu, Effiong Ndifreke, William Leon Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Abdullahi Shehu, Wilfred Ndidi, Chidozie Awaziem, Moses Simon and Jamilu Collins joined up with the squad on Monday to swell the roll call to about 18.
While goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, midfielders John Ogu and Oghenekaro Etebo, strikers Henry Onyekuru and Victor Osimhen are the foreign-based players yet to show up in camp.
This is indeed a new Eagles and a clear departure from the past when players strolled to camp on the eve of matches and yet get to play for the team. This is indeed the kind of attitude and discipline that we need in the team if the Super Eagles must impress in the African Nations Cup and other competitions.
Given the magnitude of the match, coach Rohr must not be desperate for a win but he must use the avenue to try out new players and possibly new tactics. He must ensure if fit, those that may not get run-in against Seychelles on Saturday are provided the opportunity to express themselves on the pitch in the international friendly match against Egypt next week.
With Rohr’s trusted keeper, Uzoho yet to report to camp and his not too impressive rating in Cyprus, Katsina United safe hands, Ikechukwu Ezenwa deserved to be given the mod between the sticks ahead of the ever inconsistent Daniel Akpeyi.
In the heart of defence, the coach should rest the duo of Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong for the youthful pair of Chidozie Awaziem and Kenneth Omeruo.
On the right side of defence, I would have suggested a debutant for the spot but given the long absence of Abdullahi Shehu, he surely deserves to be handed the jersey. For the left back spot, Enyimba youngster, Valentine Ozornwafor should be considered. Though Ozornwafor is earning high rating in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), it will be interesting to see how he will perform in the green and white shirt.
In the middle of the pack, John Ogu and Oghenekaro Etebo should operate as defensive midfielders with Alex Iwobi expected to play as a creative midfielder if fit and available.
In the attack, I expect to see FC Midtjylland forward, Paul Onuachu make his debut for the team given his current form in the Danish Super League. Onuachu, who was formerly on the books of FC Ebedei will provide the team with another option given his huge physique. The striker who is known as Nigeria’s Peter Crouch will pose serious threat to opposing defenders. If supplied the right passes, I expect the Onuachu to score on his senior national team debut against Seychelles. Depending on his performance in the two matches (against Seychelles and Egypt), Onuachu is likely to rival the more experienced Odion Ighalo in the Eagles’ attack. Though he cannot compete with Ighalo in terms of foot work and dribbling skills but Onuachu appears more deadly from set-pieces and he also has better physical strength than the former.
