After the devastating loss to the Bafana Bafana (South African football team) for the AFCON Qualifier, Nigerians everywhere have so eagerly waited for the release of the 23-man list ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Cameroon in Uyo on September 1st and 4th.
The wait seems to be finally over, but was it worth it?
Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr announced the release of the 23-man list with the likes of John Mikel Obi who just recovered from an injury, Odion Ighalo, Leon Balogun and Victor Moses, who all just rejoined the team.
Also listed are Ahmed Musa, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo, William Troost-Ekong, Elderson Echiejile, Daniel Akpeyi, Dele Alampasu, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.
Since the official release of the list, there have been controversial reactions from Nigerians, on the composition of players enlisted.
The response of fans to this news is not really ill placed, seeing as a lot of home based players were left out of the squad, players that have over time proven themselves on the football field, and would have added to the team’s overall strength, especially in the defense.
Officials have spoken up in response to the disturbance of Nigerians, stating that winning has a lot more to do with the game plan of the coach than with the players.
As fans, it’s our earnest desire that our team triumph over their rivals, but we should also take note that this is the world cup qualifiers and we need the best hands on deck playing against the Cameroon football team who have also shown themselves to be a very formidable opponent.
Truth is we can only do so much when it comes to who gets to play and who stays on the bench.
Coach Rohr has chosen a team he feels is our best chance at victory, and all we can do is hope for the best, trust in his tactics and expect our players to perform excellently.
