Gernot Rohr is without key players like Victor Osimhen, Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and other stars for the international friendlies against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Their absence means opportunities for others.
So which players really need to impress Rohr ?
Gnbnews identify a quintet of players who must take the opportunity to impress the Super Eagles boss.
Anthony Izuchukwu (Spartak Trnava)
Got a late invitation following the unavailability of some of the regular defenders for the friendlies. He has three caps for the U-23 Eagles. The tough tackling defender will look to stake claim for a regular berth in the Super Eagles.
Terem Moffi (Lorient)
Terem Mofi is a striker who plays for Lorient in Ligue 1. The 22-year-old scored 14 goals for Lorient during the campaign and has been linked with a move to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
With established forwards like Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, and Kelechi Iheanacho clearly ahead of him in the pecking order, Moffi will do well to impress against the Cameroonians.
Also Read: Ballon d’Or 2021: Ranking The Top 5 Favourites
Peter Olayinka (Slavia Prague)
Peter Olayinka has been capped once by Nigeria. The versatile midfielder earned plaudits for his impressive showing for Czech Republic outfit Slavia Prague in the UEFA Europa League in the 2020/21 season. The 25-year-old won the double with Slavia Prague.
Samson Tijani (Red Bull Salzburg)
The former Golden Eaglets captain who is on loan at Hartberg from Red Bull Salzburg made his senior debut in a friendly 1-0 loss to Algeria in October 2020. He now has another chance to impress head coach Gernot Rohr especially with the absence of some key players for the friendlies.
Valentine Ozorwanfor (Galatasaray)
Many have criticised Valentine Ozorwanfor’s invitation due to his inactivity at club level. The centre-back played for just eight minutes for Turkish club Galatasaray last season.
The tall defender caught the attention of Gernot Rohr during his time with Nigeria’s U-20 side. The upcoming friendlies offers him the chance to show he has it takes compete at senior level.
