Brazil 2014: In-form stars that dumped Nigeria

Nigeria’s qualification for next year’s mundial taking place in the home of football, Brazil, undoubtedly excited millions of soccer loving Nigerians, particularly the near impressive showing the Super Eagles put up against the Azzurri of Italy at Fulham’s Craven Cottage in London.

Promising as the Eagles’ qualification is, the game against the Italian National team at Craven Cottage exposed the few weaknesses in the current Stephen Keshi tutored side, particularly in the defensive midfield and rear guard.

In Our usually refreshing angle we are taking a cursory look at three key in- form stars that have dumped Nigeria for other countries that would have strengthened the current Super Eagles going to Brazil 2014 as African Champions and first qualifier from the continent in next year’s soccer showpiece.

David Olatokunbo Alaba: This Nigerian born Bayern Munich star and Austrian International is a big miss for the Super Eagles in our quest to surpass our previous record of a second round exit at USA’ 94.

Alaba has shown in Bayern colours what a confident, industrious and utility player he is. He can play in the midfield; left back, provide cover for the central defence as well as a ready- made ammunition for strong counter attacking strikers like Emmanuel Emenike and Bright Dike. Indeed, a combination of David Alaba, Ogenyi Onazi (Rightly referred to as Africa’s Frank Lampard by the Big Boss, Stephen Keshi) and John Obi Mikel would have been a World Class midfield trio for Nigeria in Brazil.

Gabriel Imuetinyan Agbonlahor: This Nigerian born Aston Villa speedy forward who prefers to put on the colours of England despite not having a-looking by handlers of the Three Lions is also another Nigerian export that will be solely missed in Brazil.

Unlike the unintelligent play and poor finishing of Brown Ideye and Ahmed Musa, Agbonlahor playing from the attacking left flank in the absence of Victor Moses alongside Emenike in the middle and Bright Dike or Shola Ameobi on the right flank would have made any defence in Brazil 2014 tremble as well as ensure conversion of 80% of chances created by the Eagles.

Angelo Obinze Ogbonna: Despite being booed by Nigerian fans in the international friendly where he played for Italy against Nigeria in London, this Nigerian born Italian defender showed what assert he would have been to the world’s most populous black Nation should he chose to play for his Father land.

Ogbonna would have been a perfect central defensive combination with Godfrey Oboabona in the absence of the yet-to-be fully fit Kenneth Omeruo of Chelsea under 21. Angelo Ogbonna is strong and has the ability to anticipate attacking moves of opposition strikers.

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