Lack of playing time at Premier League club Brighton may keep out Leon Balogun from the Super Eagles defence at the AFCON in Egypt with his place taken up by John Ogu if Gernot Rohr goes with the 3-5-2 formation. Kenneth Omeruo and William Ekong are now the mainstay of the backline with Jamilu Collins at left back and possibly Ola Aina at right fullback if the coach played four in the defence.
Super Eagles Profiles – Goalkeepers
Kenneth OMERUO
Age: 25
Club: Leganes (Spain)
Caps: 44
Debut: vs Cape Verde (2013)
Former junior international has continued to prove himself since he became a full international six years ago. The “Oyinbo Wall” of Leon Balogun and William Ekong was at a time preferred ahead of the Leganes centre back in the heart of Eagles defence but he has proved he could compete gamely whenever he gets a chance. Has also reveled in a three-man defence line in 3-5-2 formation to underline his competitiveness in the back four. Has also held his own at right back when called upon.
William TROOST-EKONG
Age: 25
Club: Udinese (Italy)
Caps: 30
Debut: vs Chad (2015)
Having dumped Holland, the country of his birth and who he represented at youth levels, for Nigeria, Ekong has continued to prove himself as the undisputed top choice at the heart of defence. Formed the “Oyinbo Wall” with Balogun, Ekong has proved time and time again he’s a top quality. He’s expected to keep things as tight as possible in his debut AFCON.
Ola AINA
Age: 22
Club: Torino
Caps: 7
Debut: vs Zambia (2017)
The 10 million Euros defender made his much awaited Eagles debut against Zambia coming on for Elderson Echiejile after agreeing to switch allegiance from England youth football. Surprisingly left out of the Russia 2018 World Cup squad, Aina fought his way back to the Eagles fold on the back of his solid debut season performance in Italy’s Seria A. He’s expected to battle for the starter’s shirt with Turkey-based Shehu Abdullahi at right back at AFCON, but he can also play at left back if need be.
Chidozie AWAZIEM
Age: 22
Club: FC Porto
Caps: 6
FC Porto young defender Chidozie Awaziem worked hard to make the final cut to Egypt for his second major international tournament after playing sparingly for his country. Another loan stint at Rizespor with whom he contributed immensely to stay up in the Turkish top flight, proved to be the tonic for his deserved Eagle’ return. Added to an interesting headache at Eagles’ right back spot where he battles Shehu Abdullahi and Ola Aina since wrestling central defence shirt from the “Oyinbo Wall” appears to be a tough task for even Napoleon Bonaparte.
Leon BALOGUN
Age: 29
Club: Brighton & Hove Albion (England)
Caps: 27
Debut: Vs Mexico (2014)
Since his unforgettable debut against Mexico where he crashed into the signage to hurt his toe, Balogun has come to remain at least for now in the heart of the Eagles’ defence. His superb and near perfect combo with his “Oyinbo Wall” partner Ekong has stood the test of time. Stuttered a bit at club level at English side Brighton, but has continued to steady the ship for his country. Perhaps, a move away from Brighton could be on the cards after AFCON.
Jamilu COLLINS
Age: 24
Club: Paderborn (Germany)
Caps: 7
Debut: vs Liberia (2109)
Collins’ stocks have continued to rise since he made his debut early this year. Promotion to Bundesliga has further put the Kaduna-born left back in the limelight. Expected to fully convince close watchers he’s the final answer to Eagles’ problematic left back position at the AFCON.
Shehu ABDULLAHI
Age: 26
Club: Bursaspor (Turkey)
Caps: 24
At some point it was smooth sailing for the Sokoto-born defender at Eagles right back as impressed fans welcomed him to the hitherto problematic role with open arms. But a combination of loss of form and injury did him in as Tyronne Ebuehi, Ola Aina and Bryan Idowu were brought in to try their luck. He’s back and better but will now have Awaziem and Aina to contend with for a starter’s shirt.
