The recent list released by the Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has raised some eyebrows with many asking to know if these are actually the best set of players available for the national team of Nigeria.
Many of these players were involved in the 2013 African Cup of Nations but the question is to whether they are still playing at such high level which saw them claim the African Cup of Nations in South Africa.
However there are new names on the list with Reading FC Hope Akpan, Austria based Sanni Emmanuel, Raheem Lawal, Aaron Samuel who plays in China and a relatively unknown Anyora Ugonna who plies his trade in Norway.
Together with the above Stephen Keshi also invited old boys to the team but his decision to leave out MLS in-form striker, Obafemi Martins, Ikechukwu Uche and Kelechi Iheanacho is debatable.
Super Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim are the invited goalkeepers with Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echieljile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Godfrey Oboabona and Efe Ambrose completing the defence.
John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi leads the park in the midfield with Nosa Igiebor and Sone Aluko also called up.
The usual attacking list was rarely changed. Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses are among the attackers invited.
World Cup sensation Babatunde Michael returns to the team together with home-based Osaguona Ighodaro and Gbolahan Salami making the list.
It’s interesting to see some new faces in the team and probably see what these players can add to the national team.
It is still unknown if these players will do enough in taking Nigeria to the African Cup of Nations in 2015.
The next two matches against Sudan are crucial and Nigeria cannot afford not to pick the maximum six points after a disappointing start to the qualifiers.
There need to be a good replacement for Mikel in the midfield with his recent performances for the Super Eagle nothing to write home about.
Probably Nigerians are expecting too much from a man that can’t even make the starting line up in Chelsea but Mikel must improve with his performance level if he is to gain back the respect he had years back.
Many believe Nigeria needs a change of coach while some feels Keshi will make it through to the Nations Cup next year but the answer is definitely to be supplied by the populace.
Stephen Keshi may have done a whole lot of good to Nigerian football since 2011 but he must get it right in the qualification if he is to remain as the Super Eagles coach.
