Nigeria have produced a lot of top strikers in the past. The impact of Rashidi Yekini of blessed memory is one never to be forgotten, while the national team have also seen the likes of Emmanuel Amuneke, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins, Emmanuel Emenike, Odion Ighalo and co wear the the green-white-green shirt with distinction.
The country’s strikers at the moment are on hot form for their respective clubs in Europe.
This is certainly going to make Gernot Rohr scratch his head again and again when picking his team.
The coach recently said it would be too late to bring in new players to the team, however, the German might have to have a rethink as most of his strikers in Europe have been exceptional this season.
Rohr would be looking at his striking options ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in June with at least three strikers who are making a case for themselves with their goals and performances this season.
‘Simy’ Nwankwo
Crotone star Simy Nwanko is a familiar name to Super Eagles fans. He made a cameo appearance for Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Since then, ‘Simy’, 28, has gone on to score 39 goals in 70 games for the Serie A side.
Sadiq Umar
Sadiq represented Nigeria at the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio. He scored four goals in sixappearances for the U23s, helping the country to a bronze medal. He is yet to make his International debut for the senior team. He moved to UD Almeria in October 2020 after four years in Roma, where he was shipped out on loan throughout his time. The 24 year-old has scored 16 goals in 32 games for Almeria in La Liga 2 this season. This is another striker on the radar of Rohr.
Terem Moffi
The Ligue 1 star has been on hot form for FC Lorient since his arrival in the summer of 2020. The 21-year-old forward has scored 14 goals from 28 games in the Ligue 1 this season. Moffi is yet to make his International bow for the Super Eagles. But the striker is surely making a case for himself this season with his goals.
Josh Maja
The 23-year-old Bordeux striker is currently on loan at Fulham. Josh got his one and only cap for Nigeria in 2019, when he came on as a substitute in 2-2 draw with Ukraine. Josh Maja goal against Arsenal last week was his third goal for Fulham since his loan move from Bordeux. However, with Onachu now proving doubters wrong, it is unlikely that Josh will be a given a chance soon.
Victor Osimhen is Rohr’s favorite choice, but they are other top strikers whose goals have sparked calls for their invitation.
The 2022 World Cup qualifier is already around the corner and Rohr has some big decisions to make about his options upfront.
The Super Eagles coach will certainly be scratching his head when weighing his options for the men to score the goals for his team.
Onachu now likely has a place in the squad, while Nwankwo, Moffi and Maja are waiting on the wings of the Super Eagles as we approach the World Cup qualifiers.
By DAVID MAIGARI
