Russia 2018: Reactions trail NFF’s provisional 30-man list
NEWS DIGEST – Mixed reactions have continued to trail the 30 man list earlier released by the National Football Federation, NFF, for the FIFA 2018 World Cup taking place in Russia next month.
The 30-man provisional list includes regulars such as Jon Obi Mikel, Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho.
Also included on the list are hopefuls such as Kano Pillars forward- Junior Lokosa and 26 year old Simeon Nwankwo who plays for Serie A side Crotone.
However, notable omissions were rightly observed such as veteran gloves man Vincent Enyeama, Dele Alampasu, Anthony Nwakaeme, Henry Onyekuru, Victor Osimhen and Kayode Olanrewaju.
FIFA requires the final 23-man squad lists to be finalised on June 4 at the latest which means there would be 7 sacrificial lambs giving way to the 23 lucky lads who would be on the plane to Russia.
Reacting, Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman, FCT Football Coaches Association said the inclusion of the country’s biggest goal contributors in the list was a welcome development.
“There were really no major surprises in the list as the country’s biggest goal contributors namely; Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses and Kelechi Iheanacho are destined for Russia.
“Also, the partnership of the China-based players namely; Odion Ighalo and Mikel Obi will yield a lot of goals for the Super Eagles. I can’t wait for the tournament to start already.
“My advice however to those whose names were missing is that they must dig their heels in, do better than their previous best and make it impossible for the Coach to overlook them for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019,” he said.
Adeshina Oluwatosin, a football writer and editor forthegoal.com offered tactical analysis on how positive results can be achieved with the players that eventually make the 23-man list.
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“The squad is relatively young and is laced with adequate experience. Under Gernot Rohr, the Eagles have thrived as underdogs, performing better with less weight of expectations on their head.
“Tactically, Rohr has built his side to play aggressively on the counter, and while the 4-3-3 is a plan A, an adequate and functional plan B must be in place.
“The squad could thrive on a flat 4-4-2 with Mikel and Ndidi providing a platform for the Moses’ , Iheanacho and Ighalo to attack. Playing to our best player’s strength could also be an alternative, a 3-5-2 with Moses as the attacking wing back on the right and the more defensive and disciplined Shehu on the left.
“It is a sort of pseudo 4-4-2 too as the Shehu would join the center backs to make a complete back four and the midfield trident of Moses Simon, Ndidi, and Mikel are joined by a marauding Victor Moses.”
Emmanuel Amakiri, the proprietor of Amakson Football Academy said he wasn’t completely satisfied with the list, adding that the goalkeeping and defence departments still look weak.
“For me, the list is not bad, but I feel our goalkeeping and defence department are weak and how Rohr sets up the midfield will be crucial.
“I still don’t know what Ezenwa and Echiejile are doing in that squad? They better not make the final list.
“Ezenwa isn’t the best goalkeeper in the NPFL so I am wondering what informed his selection.
“So sad for the likes of Brown Ideye and Henry Onyekuru whose names were omitted from the list as they have both struggled in their efforts to get back to fitness ahead of the World Cup.
“Some however discovered their form when it mattered most, such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa who had to go back to Russia to begin to command attention once again,” he said.
Whoever makes the cut, our hope is that the country would be well represented at the event in Russia, with huge expectations placed on Gernot Rohr’s shoulders.
