The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play host to Zimbabwe at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Saturday and Gernot Rohr is expected to keep a close eye on some players whose spots aren’t guaranteed.<\/p>\n
The friendly match is obviously organized by NFF to help the gaffer prepare for the upcoming AFCON tournament in Egypt but the much-anticipated encounter provides Rohr with the chance to run the rule over bit-part players in the team.<\/p>\n
Who are the players likely to start against Zimbabwe and what formation will Genort Rohr deploy on Saturday? Allnigeriasoccer.com provides a clue.<\/p>\n
Goalkeeper<\/p>\n
Francis Uzoho<\/p>\n
Though the young goalkeeper isn’t in fine form, he is expected to make the starting XI as he still remains Rohr’s undisputed first-choice heading into AFCON.<\/p>\n
This game will help boost his confidence level after experiencing many off-pitch crises throughout last season.<\/p>\n
Defence<\/p>\n
Ola Aina will likely start at the right-back position ahead of Shehu Abdullahi. The Chelsea-owned fullback had an eventful and encouraging season with Serie A side Torino and he will hope to continue such form with the Eagles.<\/p>\n
Leon Balogun<\/p>\n
Though the centre-back is certain to be in Rohr’s traveling squad, he will be given much game-time on Saturday to boost his fitness.<\/p>\n
Chidozie Awaziem<\/p>\n
The Porto-owned centre-back face a stern competition from his well-known and highly-rated teammates but he’s expected to start the encounter.<\/p>\n
Gernot Rohr will access his performance against Zimbabwe to decide whether he’s good enough to displace Omeruo from the traveling squad.<\/p>\n
As for Ekong, the Udinese star will be given a much needed rest after coming late to camp in Asaba.<\/p>\n
Midfield<\/p>\n
Mikel Obi<\/p>\n
Mikel will make the starting XI on Saturday as Rohr would love to see how the former Chelsea midfielder will bond with the rest of the team after one year in international wilderness.<\/p>\n
Simon Moses<\/p>\n
The Levante man didn’t enjoy much action with the Spanish side last season but he remains one of Rohr’s trusted players.<\/p>\n
Semi Ajayi<\/p>\n
The ex-Arsenal star is not guaranteed of a place in the team, hence, Rohr will want to give him a chance to showcase his skill.<\/p>\n
Ajayi will likely play alongside Mikel and Ogu at the middle of the pitch and he could be replaced with Ndidi in the second half.<\/p>\n
John Ogu<\/p>\n
Ogu’s chances of making the final list directly depends on his performance against Zimbabwe, so Rohr will be very pleased to give him the benefit of doubt by starting him on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Samuel Kalu<\/p>\n
The Bordeaux star didn’t see too many game-time at the latter stage of the season due to injury but he is called up to Eagles camp by Gernot Rohr to prove himself.<\/p>\n
Attack<\/p>\n
Kelechi Iheanacho will certainly spearhead the attack as Rohr will love to see the Leicester City man in action before making his final 23-man list.<\/p>\n
Iheanacho is tipped by many Nigerians to be axed from the traveling team but a blistering showing against Zimbabwe might see him included in the team.<\/p>\n
Victor Osimhen<\/p>\n
The youngster will be given an opportunity to earn a spot in the team as he will likely spearhead the attacking department.<\/p>\n
A goal or more will be enough to convince Rohr coupled with his record-breaking performance in the Belgian First Division A last season.<\/p>\n
Here is a summary of the Super Eagles’ probable line-up against Zimbabwe:<\/p>\n
Uzoho; Aina, Awaziem, Balogun; Chukwueze, Mikel, Moses, Kalu, Ajayi; Iheanacho, Osimhen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play host to Zimbabwe at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Saturday and Gernot Rohr is expected to keep a close eye on some players whose spots aren’t guaranteed. The friendly match is obviously organized by NFF to help the gaffer prepare for the upcoming AFCON tournament in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":11215,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,18],"tags":[116,446,530,122],"class_list":["post-11213","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-sport","tag-football","tag-obi-mikel","tag-rohr","tag-sports"],"yoast_head":"\n