As many as seven players are in line to make their debuts for the Super Eagles in forthcoming friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia and coach Gernot Rohr has given his own assessment of the new boys after watching them in training in Austria.
MATHEW YAKUBU
He has been playing all the games at his club in Slovakia. He has done very well in training, he has time as he is only 21 and still progressing. The goalkeeper trainer says he is a good goalkeeper, strong legs, not so tall but agile. He will be No 1 or 2 goalkeeper (for Eagles friendlies). We will see him in one of the matches.
ZAIDU SANUSI
A leftback who will start the game (vs Algeria). He is a strong and fast defender. We are satisfied with what he has done in training. We need to be strong because (Riyad) Mahrez will come from the right. We need to be strong in his position.
KEVIN AKPOGUMA
He is a very important new player for us. He played for Germany in age-group teams. It was not easy to get him (for the Eagles). I have been in touch with him for the past two years. He will play, maybe coming in.
FRANK ONYEKA
A defensive midfielder with good pressing, good presence, he is all the time available to get the ball and go forward. I have a very good impression of him also.
SAMSON TIJANI
A very good player, he is only 18, but he is doing well in training. We followed him at the World Cup (2019 U17 World Cup in Brazil). This is an opportunity to show what he can do. He has a lot of things to learn. Physically he has to be stronger with time. He passes well, good shooting and sees the game. He has a very bright future.
CHIDERA EJUKE
He is a winger who is doing very well. He can play on both flanks.
CYRIEL DESSERS
He is a striker who moves a lot and has a good shot. The competition for the starting place will be between him and (Paul) Onuachu.
*TOBIAS LAWAL
He was Man of the Match in his team’s last game in Austria. He has played for Austria U20 in a friendly. He’s only 20, he has a big future.
*He will not be involved with the Eagles for the time being as Austria do not allow for dual citizenship.
