Sivasspor of Turkey striker continues to be ignored by the Super Eagles despite his consistency in front of goal as IKENWA NNABUOGOR charges the coach of the national team to give him another chance…
Just few days ago Sivasspor striker Olanrewaju Kayode netted his third goal for his Turkish side in the group game of the UEFA Europa League and it appears his goals will not dry up anytime soon.
The former Golden Eaglets star has refused to slow down in front of goal since he burst on to the European scene few years ago and his continued exclusion from the Super Eagles list continues to generate debate among the watchers at home front.
It has been a jolly ride for him since he arrived in Turkey last season on loan from Ukrainian multiple champions Shakhtar Donetsk to put behind his unforgettable connection with Manchester City, who shipped him out on loan to Girona in Spain and then Shakhtar.
It is indeed regrettable that ‘Larry’ has not been given a decent run to replicate his impressive form for his country.
Rohr has refused to look his way for a fresh start with his country’s senior team with whom the former Austria Wien top marksman only managed a few look-ins at three friendly games and an AFCON qualifier in 2017.
‘Larry’ garnered only a combined 37-minute appearance for his country despite his decent run of goal return at club level, forcing watchers to wonder why he remains in international wilderness.
It has now been three years since Rohr gave him a chance in his team and it appears the Sivasspor star will have to force his way into the Real Madrid starting XI or that of Bayern Munich to convince the Franco-German for another chance.
Smarting from his 12-goal record in all competitions for his former club Gaziantep FK, where he played on loan last season, ‘Larry’ has proved himself at a new club, netting three goals in Europe and coming close to opening his league account after three games.
Naturally, with the former Girona striker, it will be a matter of time for his goals to roll in.
Currently, the Eagles attack is nowhere near the best spark it has been known for and crucially the goals will have to be scored as the race to Cameroon 2022 African Nations Cup and Qatar 2022 World Cup heats up.
Anything short of the fire power with which the Eagles are dreaded and feared for will ultimately affect their smooth flight.
Super Eagles top striker Victor Osimhen has yet to continue his superb scoring form for his country since international games resumed due to Covid19 restrictions, Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho is enjoying a sweet comeback, while other strikers in the attacking line have yet to find their rhythms, leaving the Eagles’ forward line lacking enough firepower.
This is where ‘Larry’ comes in to add some more options in the attack – good enough he’s an out-and-out marksman like Osimhen and he surely needs an another look-in.
‘Larry’ is lightening quick, sharp, combative and has an amazing eye for goal and these attributes remain to be counted on when he is handed another deserved chance.
Looking at the current form of the Eagles attacking line, only KRC Genk striker Paul Onuachu, who is again back on the squad by default, is the sharpest in front of goals, others have yet to rain goals including Osimhen, who is battling to settle down to banging goals at Napoli.
‘Larry’ hasn’t fared badly though, he’s currently among the leading scorers in the Europa League.
It can be argued based on current form, that he deserves to be given another chance to add more cutting edge to the Eagles attack ahead of the AFCON and Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
As it is now, only Rohr knows why ‘Larry’ does not figure in his plans since he gave him brief appearances in 2017.
The former ASEC Mimosas striker comes in full package and will always justify his inclusion in the Super Eagles with his whole-hearted commitment to the cause.
It is now left for Rohr to consider Kayode in the coming games.
