Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, is gradually restoring the glory days to Nigerian football with back-to-back victories in his first two games.
The German tactician followed up his impressive debut against Tanzania in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with a resounding 2-1 win over Zambia in the World Cup version.
What this means is that the West Africans now top Group B with three points – followed by Cameroon and Algeria with one apiece.
However, there’s still a lot to be done as the three-time African champions prepare to face powerhouse, Algeria, at home on November 12.
The gaffer even admitted that he will definitely be in the hunt for reinforcements in certain weakened areas of his team.
Here are five additions Nigerians are clamouring to see in the new-look Super Eagles.
- Ola Aina
Many Nigerians still don’t understand the rationale behind Rohr starting midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, at right-back against Zambia. It is quite simple; the 61-year-old obviously seems unimpressed by both Shehu Abdullahi and Musa Mohammed. However, there’s a young chap who could get the job done perfectly – his name, Ola Aina. Aina, 20, currently plays for Chelsea and has represented England at various youth levels.
- John Ogu
Rohr last week made a provocative comparison between Nosa Igiebor and John Ogu.
“He is not better than the players I have here. We have one player Nosa [Igiebor] here, but not the other one,” the German opined.
Both players, who are left-footed midfielders, ply their trade in the Israeli top flight and exhibit very similar technique. But it is Ogu who stands tall statistically with his goals and assists. The 28-year-old is well known for his trademark screamers and Rohr should consider the midfielder in his subsequent games.
- Oghenekaro Etebo
How this lad failed to make any of Rohr’s two squads is something many Nigerians still find rather impossible to comprehend. Oghenekaro Etebo is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects and shone brightly at the last Olympics in Rio. The attacking midfielder on his day is capable of wrecking any defence as well as banging in the goals with ease. His addition will certainly provide depth to the Eagles squad.
- Imoh Ezekiel
Just like Etebo, Imoh Ezekiel was another star performer at the last summer Olympics. The 22-year-old, who featured in all the games as Nigeria won bronze at the event, is known for his direct style of play – similar to that of Victor Moses. His ability to play in a number of key roles gives him an edge over the current crop. Aside his versatility, he is adept to playing for the team rather than his personal glory.
- Dominic Iorfa
For many years now, the left-back position has been the bane of the Super Eagles. With all due respect to Elderson Echiejile who has done fairly well in the area. However, his inactivity at club level hasn’t done his confidence any good. Enter son of former international, Dominic Iorfa, who shares same name with his dad. Iorfa, 21, who plays for Wolverhampton, has featured for England youth teams. He could be the long-term solution to our left fullback crisis.
