Siasia sounds clarion call for strikers
Nigeria will have to score goals against Egypt when the two sides clash in the back-to-back games next week.
The Super Eagles are behind on goals difference and are in second place. A win sees Nigeria leapfrog Egypt to the top of the table before the return leg in Alexandria.
Goals will count, Nigeria is condemned to score them, not just for the Kaduna game but moving forward in the qualifiers.
Two goals [below against Chad] in two games isn’t exactly a bad return but considering Egypt have scored eight goals, it'sWhatever the case maybe, Nigeria needs to start scoring and scoring real soon. The game against Egypt provides an opportunity for the strikers to close the gap-goals difference wise, just in case it comes to that at the end of the qualifiers.
Interim coach Samson Siasia called up 13 strikers for the game but that has been pruned down to ten as the game against Egypt looms.
Supersport.com takes a look at the men Siasia will count on to get the goals against Egypt and secure the six points at stake in Kaduna and Alexandria.
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Aminu Umar (Osmanlispor FK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers, USA)Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Wikki Tourists).
On paper this looks like the best collection of strikers in Africa. Not many countries can boast of a large pool of strikers listed by Siasia.
The challenge, however, is to get the mix right and get them firing on all cylinders considering Egypt are strong defensively.
Odion Ighalo stands out and for good measure too. The former Granada FC forward has been plundering in the goals at Watford in the English Premiership.
Seventeen goals in all competitions is a good return at any level and he will look to transfer that form against the Pharaohs.
Skipper Ahmed Musa needs no introduction. The speedy winger can please and enrage with equal measure.
The CSKA Moscow man, on his day can be a handful as Argentina found out at the 2014 Fifa World Cup.Musa has pace in abundance but then his final ball needs improvement. Hopefully, the ‘real’ Ahmed Musa will turn up on match day.
Fanendo Adi is a surprise inclusion but has apparently been rewarded for his stellar showing for Major League Soccer (MLS) club Portland Timbers last season.
Adi was instrumental in the club’s run to lifting the 2015 MLS Cup and is tipped for great things with the club.
He is a heavily built striker who has a keen eye for goal and can hold up the ball well to bring others into play.
Aminu Umar [above]of Turkish side Osmanlispor is another surprise inclusion in the side but it won’t be out of place to suggest Siasia is a big admirer of the former Flying Eagles striker.
Umar has been in red hot form over the past two weeks scoring three goals in two games in the Turkish second division.
His game is all about power and pace plus he also knows how to get into good positions in the box.
Victor Moses and Moses Simon on their day can wreck any side in the world but have not had the best of season’s at their European clubs.
Moses has been bogged down by injuries at West Ham but is gradually finding his form.
The game against Egypt comes at a good time for the striker who can also play from the wings.
Simon [below]caught the eye last season with breath-taking performances with KAA Gent in the Belgian Jupiler Liga but is apparently suffering from ‘second season syndrome’ at his club side.
However, he is unarguably the most in-form player in the Super Eagles in the last five games banging in three goals to boot.
Hopefully that form continues against Egypt as Simon has the pace and trickery to open up the Pharaohs and create chances for the likes of Odion Ighalo to thrive on.
Alex Iwobi [below]is an exciting new prospect for the Super Eagles and his inclusion seems to be justified as he has been chalking up minutes at Arsenal.
A nephew to Super Eagles great Jay-Jay Okocha, Iwobi started the Uefa Champions League round of 16-second tie against Barcelona which Arsenal lost at the Nou Camp.
Three days later he scored his maiden goal for the club in the Premiership in the 2-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Surely he is breath of fresh air and should provide viable options for Siasia.
Aaron Samuel makes a return to the international set-up after being discarded by former coach Sunday Oliseh.
Samuel has moved to Russia from China to experience new challenges and will love to continue where he stopped for the Eagles.
His goals ratio in the Eagles is quite impressive. His build and strength are well suited for the African game and he will definitely be in the mix on game day.
Godwin Obaje is one of the most underrated strikers in Nigeria. The Kaduna-born striker has the best away goals rate for any striker based in Nigeria.
He combines great technical skills and a good sense of position inside the box which has seen him scoring goals for his side Wikki Tourists.
Obaje spent time with Slovakian side AS Trencin a few months ago but contractual issues saw him com back to rejoin last season’s surprise package Wikki Tourists.
Siasia is spoilt for choice, but that is where the danger lies.It is important he gets the mix right and if that happens, then Nigeria are guaranteed goals against Egypt.
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