Nigeria Content Online

While
using the match played against Saudi Arabia as yard stick for pruning
the team down to 23 players may not be realistic, given the
circumstances we have found ourselves in, we will attempt a projection
of which players Lagerback is likely to drop from the 30 players
currently in camp.

Out of the starting line-up against Saudi Arabia
on Tuesday, only Lukman Haruna, Terna Suswan, and Victor Anichebe
impressed sufficiently to be able to hope of places in the final 23.
The goal keeper, Austin Ejide had a commendable 90 minute performance;
and may have proven that he is fit for South Africa.

The keeper that will be dropped will be decided
today if Bassey Akpan keeps the goal against Colombia, if not the
Bayelsa United keeper will be dropped.

Defenders for the chop

Lagerback showed against Saudi Arabia that he was
looking for a back-up right back when he deployed Sani Kaita in that
position in the second half. While Chidi Odiah will be the automatic
choice for the Eagles in South Africa if he stays fit, Suswan showed he
is one for the future. Rennes defender, Elderson Echiejile did not
impress with his showing against the Saudis, and Lagerback may be
having doubts about taking him to the World Cup.

Joseph Yobo is not looking comfortable, and as the
most experienced player in that defence, you will expect him to make
it. Danny Shittu has been commended severally for his enthusiasm, and
may just make it to help the dressing room. So from the nine defenders
in camp right now, it is likely that two of Terna Suswan, Elderson
Echiejile or Onyekachi Apam (because of his injury) will be dropped.

Midfielders that have lost the plot

If Mikel Obi is fully recovered, then the Chelsea
man and Fulham’s Dickson Etuhu will be the automatic choice for the two
defensive positions in midfield. But who will be the back-up? Sani
Kaita will get the nod here because of his versatility. Yussuf Ayila
then finds himself in a position of vying with Haruna Lukman. Based on
their performances in the Tuesday match, Lukman may get the nod. There
are six berths in that midfield so one of them will be dropped and Kalu
Uche added to the list.

The ones to get the goals

Captain of the side, Nwankwo Kanu, will only make
this team on his legendary status and what he can bring to games late
on. Chinedu Obasi on the other hand has to prove the hype all over
again. There is no doubt he is a very talented player, but he needs to
prove it on the biggest stage, the World Cup.

Victor Anichebe showed in the game against the
Saudi Arabia team that he is on the plane to South Africa. His power,
pace and aggression will prove invaluable in South Africa. Brown Ideye,
John Utaka, who showed he is no more useful to the national side with a
shameful half hour action against the Saudis and his brother, will
likely have to wait for another opportunity to represent Nigeria. Most
probably, this will be the last that will be heard of the elder Utaka.