The Super Eagles face a daunting task against seven-time African champions, Egypt, in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on March 25 and 29.
Nigeria interim coach, Samson Siasia, must first address the following issues about his team after taking over from Sunday Oliseh.
Captaincy
Former international, Vincent Enyeama, was controversially stripped of the Eagles captaincy by Oliseh in October – with CSKA Moscow winger, Ahmed Musa, installed as his successor. With the YouTube broadcaster now out of the fray, will Siasia stick with Musa as his skipper or pick another player for that role?
Ighalo vs. Adi
Odion Ighalo might be Nigeria’s most lethal striker in Europe with 14 league goals for Watford – but the 26-year-old has only scored once in 2016. The former Granada man, who has failed to score in his last six, hasn’t had the smoothest run in the national team lately. However, in Fanendo Adi, Siasia possesses a unique dimension in attack. The Portland Timbers striker, who is in line to make his international debut, has scored 41 goals in 57 games in the American Major League Soccer.
Battle of the Moses
West Ham winger, Victor Moses, has not featured for the Super Eagles since the 2014 FIFA World Cup due to a re-occurring injury. In the absence of the former Wigan star, youngster, Simon Moses, has shone like a million stars – helping Nigerians forget about the latter. Simon, 20, scored thrice in six games under Oliseh. But with the return of the 25-year-old to the national team, Siasia faces a dilemma on who to start alongside Musa on the flanks.
Who partners Mikel?
Another conundrum for Siasia ahead of the clash with the Pharaohs is who to start alongside John Mikel Obi in the heart of the midfield. Regular partner, Ogenyi Onazi, is suspended following his red card against Chad last year. The pair has formed a formidable bond over the years with both players featuring predominantly as Nigeria won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. The likes of Dream Team VI skipper, Azubuike Okechukwu, Usman Mohammed or Etebo Oghenekaro could get a look.
Unstable backline
In the past one year, the Eagles have had more than five centre-back pairing. The likes of Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong have been occasionally deployed in that area. Siasia should be able to find some level of consistency at the back if his team want to subdue the Egyptians.
