Yesterday the senior national team of Nigeria had their first training session ahead of Friday’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers game against Liberia.
The session lasted for one hours, forty five minutes with as many as twenty players taking part in the full duration of the training. Alex Iwobi and Jamilu Collins trained separately.
OwnGoalNigeria.com watched the session and picked out five things we noticed for the period it lasted.
Uzoho Will Likely Return As First Choice : Right from when the goalkeepers were drilled by Alloy Agu. Uzoho stood out in the absence of Maduka Okoye. His stunning double save from a free kick from Victor Osimhen and the rebound from Chidera Ejuke drew huge applause. He was very impressive as he bid to wrestle his number one spot from Okoye.
Rohr’s Emergency Left Back Situation : In the absence of Zaidu Sanusi and Jamilu Collins who trained separately. Coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr fielded Valentine Ozornwafor and Tyronne Ebuehi at left back during the practice game.
If push comes to shove Ebuehi might likely get the nod as he played alongside the trio of Leon Balogun, Ola Aina and William Ekong who are all sure to be in the starting line up on Friday.
Iheanacho And Osimhen In Attack : Barring a last minute change of mind . The attack of the Nigerian team will be led by the duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Osimhen. Yesterday’s session they were the deadly as a pair with Iheanacho scoring a brace while Osimhen was also on target. They gave Leon Balogun and Willam Ekong all sort of problems.
Return Of Oyibo Wall: It’s certain that the central defence combination of William Troost Ekong and Leon Balogun will be the preferred choice for the coach on Friday. They were instrumental to Nigeria’s smooth run to the 2018 World Cup. They will be hoping to maintain same form starting from Friday.
Eagles Will Likely Play 4-2-4: A four man attack with two wingers is likely what the Super Eagles will use against Liberia on Friday. For now two holding midfielders in Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi are sure to be the men in the middle but it could change if Joe Aribo makes it to the camp before Friday.
