Which player will be in Super Eagles squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia?
So the international break is over and the Super Eagles players are back to their respective clubs after two friendly games, their 1-0 win over Poland and the 2-0 loss to Serbia.
Although few players were missing, Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr has had the opportunity to assess his players in training sessions and the two friendly games against Poland and Serbia.
Rohr will next see his men together in May and by that time, he would have already submitted a provisional list of 30 to 35 players to FIFA-latest May 14- which will be cut down to the final 23 latest by June 4.
It is indeed now obvious that the just concluded international window was the last opportunity for players to impress Rohr.
Rohr already has 90% of his 2018 World Cup squad already sorted with the rest to be decided from the friendly games against Poland Serbia and form before the end of the season.
So in this piece, we look at the state of all the players ahead of the 2018 World Cup with regards to who will be in Rohr’s list.
On board the flight
Players who have boarded the flight are the ones who will undisputedly be on Rohr’s final list.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa
Played in the last four 2018 World Cup qualifiers and one of the regulars under Rohr.
Francis Uzoho
Gatecrashed the Super Eagles after qualification to the 2018 World Cup and has now played three games. Recent developments have suggested that he will Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper at the World Cup.
Daniel Akpeyi
Has played just twice under Rohr but has been a regular call-up. With three slots available for goalkeepers he should be on board bar any unforeseen circumstance.
Abdullahi Shehu
Played in all the games during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers and has been involved in all the friendly games also. Earned his place in the team and is now trusted by Gernot Rohr.
Brian Idowu
Found his way into the flight with a series of fine performances for the Super Eagles. Just three games in and it’s looking like he will be Super Eagles first choice left back in Russia.
Wilfred Ndidi
On the flight. No comment here.
Ogenyi Onazi
One of the senior players in the Super Eagles, he is already on the flight.
John Ogu
A regular name on Super Eagles lists and has impressed whenever he gets the chance. Already on the flight to Russia.
Mikel John Obi
The flight to Russia is going nowhere without the captain. Salute captain!
Oghenekaro Etebo
A regular in the Super Eagles, Etebo has been in the squad for all of the World Cup qualifiers under Rohr. His status as an international has grown so much since his impressive outing for Nigeria’s U-23 at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
Victor Moses
One of Nigeria’s best players at the World Cup qualifying campaign. Few words needed here, Moses is on the flight already.
Kelechi Iheanacho
One of Nigeria’s most popular players, Iheanacho is guaranteed a place in the team.
Alex Iwobi
Regarded as one of the futures of Nigerian football. Has had a prominent role under Rohr and scored the goal that sealed Nigeria’s place in Russia.
Odion Ighalo
Not initially fancied by Rohr, Ighalo has played himself into the team and is on the flight already.
Ahmed Musa
Already has experience of playing at the World Cup and can be very explosive on his day.
Moses Simon
One of the players who has been consistent for the Super Eagles.
Checked in already
These players are very close to getting on the plane. Competition the only thing preventing them from getting on the plane.
Ola Aina
Got his first call-up to the Super Eagles in August 2017 and has been in the squad ever since. Played some games but the intense competition in the Super Eagles fullback position has prevented him from getting on the plane.
Tyronne Ebuehi
Ebuehi has impressed in Super Eagles shirt and got his chances in this international break. Looks like he has gotten the trust of Rohr but that has not been enough to get on the plane yet despite booking his flight and checking in.
Elderson Echiejile
An ever-present figure in the Super Eagles but injury and loss of form has delayed him from getting on the flight. Was on the bench all through during the last international break. Flight booked, he has checked in and waiting at the airport lounge.
Chidozie Awaziem
Has been a regular call-up under Rohr and seems to have gained the trust of his manager who has made him the third-choice central defender just behind the ‘Oyinbo Wall’. There are however still doubts about his abilities.
Joel Obi
His fine form was rewarded with a call-up to the recent friendly games and he played in both. Now booked his flight and there is a feeling that he can check in and further make the flight. He is, however, running out of time.
Kenneth Omeruo
Another player with a World Cup experience but has drastically fallen off the radar due to his inconsistent performances. It doesn’t seem he is rated by Rohr and has rarely been given a chance. The experience of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner has however somehow gotten him past the checking point.
Mikel Agu
Another player who has been regular in Rohr’s squad and has gotten just enough chance to get past the checking point.
Flight booked
These are players who have played some parts in the qualifying campaign and stands a chance of being called up in the event of insane form or injury to other players.
Dele Alampasu
Has not been in the squad since the Zambia game in October 2017. Will be hard for him to get into the squad. Maybe an injury to the other goalkeepers will get him on the plane. For now, he has just booked his flight.
Uche Agbo
A couple of call-ups Agbo is always ready for the Super Eagles.
Kingsley Madu
Another player who has been called up a couple of times.
Brown Ideye
More than a year since he was called up to the Super Eagles. Played in one game during the World Cup qualifiers and was in the squad twice.
Isaac Success
Injuries and loss of form have prevented the forward from being part of the Super Eagles. Might get a chance if he is successful in Spain.
Oladele Ajiboye
Was a surprise he wasn’t called up for the friendly games after his impressive performance at the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Kayode Olarenwaju
Invited a couple of times but is running out of the chance to even check in.
Henry Onyekuru
One of the best Nigerian players of 2016/2017, Onyekuru is one of the most exciting young players. Has not been in action this year because of a long-term injury and racing against time to check in.
Anthony Nwakaeme
Was invited to a couple of games and got some action in just one game during the qualifiers. He has lost his form and was not invited to the recent friendly games.
Junior Ajayi
Made his debut in the game against Serbia and might make a surprise check in.
Gabriel Okechukwu
Gotten another chance with the Super Eagles but checking in for the World Cup might be too much of a task for him.
Super Eagles: Who has boarded the plane to Russia, who has checked in and who has booked his flight
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