By Toby Prince
Nigeria Super Eagles are gearing up for two high profile friendly games in Belgium – first, the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday, followed by the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon three days after.
Both games will serve as a litmus test for new coach, Sunday Oliseh, who is still trying to find the right mix of players and is yet to assess his might against any of the continent’s power houses.
The tactician has had to reshuffle his squad by extending late invitations to three young lads after facing some hitches with visa issuance and injuries.
These are the three youngsters could be in line to make their first appearance for the country.
- Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England)
Alex Iwobi was a late addition after he was cleared by FIFA to play for his fatherland – having represented England at youth level.
Born in March 1996, Iwobi is an attacking midfielder who could fit into any role behind the striker – naturally gifted with pace, skills and an eye for goal.
The player who recently extended his contract with English giants, Arsenal, is delighted at the privilege to represent Nigeria.
“It’s a privilege to be invited to this great Nigerian national team and also to represent my fatherland,” an elated Iwobi told Goal.com.
“It is a great honour to put on the Nigerian green-white-green jersey.”
Former captain of the Super Eagles, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, believes his nephew merits a call-up to the senior squad after a string of fine performances for his club.
“He deserves his call-up to the Nigeria squad, he had a good pre-season and that’s when people saw him,” Okocha told news24.
“If we have plans of building a new team, then, it is better we catch them up. It’s a well deserved call-up,” the two-time BBC African Footballer of the Year said.
- Dele Alampasu (Estoril, Portugal)
With the domestic players unable to secure entry visas to Belgium, Dele Alampasu was called up to provide cover for senior goalkeepers, Vincent Enyeama and Carl Ikeme.
Alampasu, 18, is already a household name in Nigerian football as he was part of the victorious Golden Eaglets team at 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in UAE – emerging as the tournament’s best keeper.
Though his career has stalled over the past few years with issues related to ownership tussle by two academies, the goalie is now settled in Portugal having joined another Nigeria international, Anderson Esiti at Estoril.
Probably a star for the future, Alampasu could begin his sojourn to greatness by making his debut for the seniors against DR Congo or Cameroon.
- Wilfred Ndidi (Genk, Belgium)
Wilfred Ndidi is the final player drafted in for the home lads who failed to make the trip for the friendly games.
His addition was made even easier as he play his club football with Genk in Belgium, the same country where the Eagles will play her two games.
An established member of the Flying Eagles, Ndidi, 18, is a central defender who could also play as a fullback.
The player’s strengths are sprint speed, acceleration, physique and body balance.
He is currently a regular at his Jupiter Pro League side, with his contract running through the summer of 2017.
Considering the shaky nature of the Eagles back-line, a debut for this young lad could as well open the doors to an exciting and promising career.
