FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Team Preview: Nigeria

There is a sense in the media in Nigeria that the management of Nigerian football have been out of touch with the development of their players playing in various leagues across the world, and though the trust in home-grown talent is a commendable quality in itself, superior talent cannot be ignored. Anthony Ujah has been included in the side a long time after he deserved it and, ironically, he happens to be out of sorts at the moment. Imoh Ezekiel was ignored whereas out-of-form Joseph Akpala has found a place in the side. Oboabona and Mba are two home-grown players who have had a considerable impact on the fortunes of the side and will be key as they take on Tahiti on 17th June.

Tactically, Nigeria will try to emulate their success at the African Cup of Nations but they have been exposed in some recent contests against aforementioned Mexico and by a rather mediocre Kenya side. There’s a marked lack of organization while the team is out of possession, whereas the wide positions are defensively weak. Individual players suffer from inconsistent performances and skill flaws; for instance, Oboabona’s lack of positional awareness. The midfield is heavily dependent on the performance of Mikel Obi and he does not seem to have enough quality around him. The long standing traditional habit of trying long balls continues to plague the African side.

Inspite of the wholesale changes introduced by Keshi, the team will have some experience from the memorable African Cup Nations side. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama will be a pillar of strength and will organize his defence. Sunday Mba, young defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona, and Ogenyi Onazi will be a part of the playing XI in all probability. They have a key player in Ahmed Musa who knows cup competitions, having won the cup double in Russia with CSKA Moscow but his form has been inconsistent of late. It remains to be seen if he turns up at Brazil.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv)

Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Francis Benjamin (Heartland FC), Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Solomon Kwambe, Godfrey Oboabona (both Sunshine Stars), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag)

Midfielders: Emeka Eze (Enugu Rangers), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Fegor Ogude (Valerenga), John Ogu (Academica Coimbra), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Joseph Akpala (Werder Bremen), Michael Babatunde (FC Kryvbas), Muhammad Gambo (Kano Pillars), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese), Anthony Ujah (FC Cologne)

Prediction

Should finish 3rd in the group table but they have virtually no chance against Spain and Uruguay.