The sensational return of Victor Moses to the Super Eagles will most certainly change the colour of things going into AFCON 2021, writes IKENWA NNABUOGOR…
The reported comeback of Spartak Moscow winger Victor Moses has sensationally added to the buzz around the team as they hit Cameroon for the AFCON and thereafter battle for a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
News out of the NFF indicated that the former Chelsea ace’s name made the 40-man list submitted by Gernot Rohr as the drama surrounding his sack appears to have finally ended.
To Rohr, it’s business as usual while the soccer authorities eventually sheath sword, as evident in his preparations ahead of the African Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon and the final playoffs to Qatar.
Part of the usual business was including retired Moses in his 40-man list as the former West Ham winger reportedly rescinded his decision to hang his boots to be back in the team again.
Moses had surprisingly called time in his Eagles career immediately after the Russia 2018 World Cup, leaving a huge gap in the Eagles’ midfield.
The best Eagles could do without Moses’ creativity, vision, gilt-edged crosses and sometimes goals was third best for the record eighth time at the last AFCON in Egypt.
Eagles midfield has continued to give up authority, grit and vision in the middle post-Moses as they struggle stamp their authority as they buffer between the defence and attack even against the less fancied countries.
Moses was one of the main reasons Nigeria won a third AFCON title eight years ago in South Africa.
He was also very influential when the Eagles flew all the way to the 2018 World Cup in Russia ahead of Algeria and Cameroon.
The Eagles now have a huge task ahead because anything short of the AFCON title in Cameroon and qualification to Qatar 2022 would not be accepted.
Fans are tired of having Eagles drink from the bronze cup and the disastrous outing at the last Mundial in Russia is still a fresh open wound.
Rohr is certainly not the favourite of the fans, who may be right for not expecting too much of the team in Cameroon.
