In 3, 2, 1… Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr should release his first Super Eagles list for 2021. The Super Eagles round up their AFCON 2022 Qualifiers on the 27th and 30th of this month, with clashes against Benin Republic and Lesotho respectively.

The Super Eagles should qualify. They are top of the table with 8 points from 4 matches. Beyond qualifying, the Super Eagles have points to prove. They won none of their matches last year and particularly made a mess of their last set of qualifiers – a double-header against Sierra Leone.
Rohr has said there won’t be many changes from the last squad, expectedly so. However, there should be some changes. This is the list we expect.
Rohr has said Maduka Okoye of Sparta Rotterdam is the first choice goalkeeper, he should be joined on the list by Sebastien Osigwe of FC Lugano and one of Okechukwu Ezenwa of Heartland or Daniel Akpeyi of Kaizer Chiefs. Francis Uzoho has hardly played this season and should most likely miss out.

In defence, we should have little changes. Kevin Akpoguma should likely miss out, he has not been playing for Hoffenheim, due to injury. The defenders should be Ola Aina, Tyronne Ebuehi, Jamilu Collins, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Semi Ajayi and Kenneth Omeruo.
Rohr’s midfield is always light and that should remain the case, the midfield should have the usual suspects. Ovie Ejaria of Reading might get a first call up. Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Shehu Abdulahi, Frank Onyeka, Joe Aribo and Alex Iwobi should be the midfielders.
There should be only few changes in attack as well. The usual supects should be invited. Samuel Kalu, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis, Kelechi Iheanacho and Paul Onuachu. There could be a first call up for Lorient’s Terem Moffi, who Rohr has spoken glowingly about him, he has also been in good form for his Ligue 1 side – Lorient. There could also be a return for Henry Onyekuru, who has gotten better playing time since joining Galatasaray on loan from Monaco. Captain, Ahmed Musa is without a club and has not played in a long time, he should not be on the list. Ejuke Chidera may also miss out because the Russian League just returned from break but considering that he should have had some games under his belt before the end of the month, he could still be on the list.

In as much as surprises are always expected, there should be little or no changes from the players listed above. Regardless of who is called or not, Nigerians expect nothing but impressive victories from the Super Eagles at the end of the month.