Nigeria’s Super Eagles Quest To Qualify Sixth FIFA World Cup

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will on Sunday begin their quest to qualify for their sixth FIFA World Cup tournament by facing Zambia.
With several obstacles surrounding the team’s trip, the Eagles finally landed in Ndola on Saturday and are gearing up for their 17th encounter against the South Africans.
However, with three key players missing the encounter through injury, the number one agenda on the mind of Coach Gernot Rohr is how to neutralise the highly tactical and technically gifted Chipolopolo.


We lend him a helping hand on this very crucial
issue by suggesting the most suitable choice of
players for each position.
Goalkeeper – Carl Ikeme
There’s absolutely no debate about this one.
Wolverhampton man, Carl Ikeme, should get the
nod in goal ahead of Dream Team VI goalie,
Daniel Emmanuel, and Kelechi Ezenwa of FC
IfeanyiUbah.
Defenders: Musa Mohammed, William Troost-
Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Elderson Echiejile
The defence line almost picks itself with the
exception of the right back position which will
be a straight battle between Musa Mohammed
and Shehu Abdullahi. The former started in
Rohr’s first game with Abdullahi who shone on
the Olympics dropped to the bench. Otherwise,
William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo
should play in the heart of the defence with
Elderson Echiejile starting at left back.
Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi, Mikel Obi and Kelechi
Iheanacho
The trio who started the game against Tanzania
last month, will most certainly be on the pitch
against Zambia. Ogenyi Onazi would be
expected to provide shield for the defence while
skipper, John Mikel Obi, could continue his new
found role which allows him join in the attack.
Manchester City wonderkid, Kelechi Iheanacho,
should play just behind the striker and
occasionally take-up the marksman role.
Attackers: Alex Iwobi, Brown Ideye and Ahmed
Musa
Much has been said about Arsenal forward, Alex
Iwobi, and the youngster will be expected to
spearhead the Super Eagles attack which should
also feature Brown Ideye and Ahmed Musa.
Ideye has been phenomenal for Olympiacos thus
far with five goals in nine games while Iwobi has
contributed three goals for the Gunners.
However, Musa has struggled to make an
impact at Leicester City but posses blistering
pace that could trouble the Zambians.
Nigeria’s Possible XI vs. Zambia: Ikeme,
Mohammed, Omeruo, Troost-Ekong, Echiejile;
Onazi, Mikel, Iwobi, Iheanacho, Musa, Ideye