Why Torino Midfielder Joel Obi Should Be Recalled To The Super Eagles
Published: February 20, 2018
Joel Obi’s potential has never been in doubt but injuries have limited his playing time and seemingly restricted him from reaching his full potentials that has made many rank amongst the top two midfielders Nigeria never had.
With his impressive performances for Torino this season, a return might as well be on the horizon.
When fit, he is impossible to ignore due to his brilliance and great passing range which would probably be second to John Mikel Obi.
What the Super Eagles needs is a player that can pick a pass and at the same time hold possession in tight situations.
It is well known to many that while we have so many options in midfield, we currently have none that boasts of this ability other than Mikel.
While it is known that both Ndidi and Onazi are 'moppers' , Etebo a workaholic, Ogu a calm distributor and Mikel has been assigned to be the man in the hole behind the striker, we might as well agree that we need that extra edge of creativity to help shift burden from Mikel.
He also brings to the table if needed 'the extra body' in the opposition's box.
The most exciting part of this all is, his ability during dead all situations. This is one aspect the Super Eagles need to work on.
It is evident that Gernot Rohr feels the same way, which led to the invitation of Chidibere Nwakali while Obi was injured some months ago for the game against Algeria .
Though not much of a dead-ball specialist, Nwakali has a similar style of play to Obi
And so, begs the question ...should Joel Obi be recalled? Ask many football loving Nigerians, the answer would be a deafening 'yes'.
Other than his brittle hamstrings, it is noteworthy that Obi once managed to play a total of 27 league games for Inter Milan when he was properly managed, he also harnessed a total of 20 games last season.
So I ask why not give this man another shot at becoming great?
Yusuf Jimoh
With his impressive performances for Torino this season, a return might as well be on the horizon.
When fit, he is impossible to ignore due to his brilliance and great passing range which would probably be second to John Mikel Obi.
What the Super Eagles needs is a player that can pick a pass and at the same time hold possession in tight situations.
It is well known to many that while we have so many options in midfield, we currently have none that boasts of this ability other than Mikel.
While it is known that both Ndidi and Onazi are 'moppers' , Etebo a workaholic, Ogu a calm distributor and Mikel has been assigned to be the man in the hole behind the striker, we might as well agree that we need that extra edge of creativity to help shift burden from Mikel.
He also brings to the table if needed 'the extra body' in the opposition's box.
The most exciting part of this all is, his ability during dead all situations. This is one aspect the Super Eagles need to work on.
It is evident that Gernot Rohr feels the same way, which led to the invitation of Chidibere Nwakali while Obi was injured some months ago for the game against Algeria .
Though not much of a dead-ball specialist, Nwakali has a similar style of play to Obi
And so, begs the question ...should Joel Obi be recalled? Ask many football loving Nigerians, the answer would be a deafening 'yes'.
Other than his brittle hamstrings, it is noteworthy that Obi once managed to play a total of 27 league games for Inter Milan when he was properly managed, he also harnessed a total of 20 games last season.
So I ask why not give this man another shot at becoming great?
Yusuf Jimoh
Latest News
- Norwich mulling over move for Charlton's German-Nigerian RB after impressing in trial game v Chelsea youth
- 'Has been amazing' - Calvin Bassey lauds Marco Silva after Fulham's 10th clean sheet of the season
- U18 PL: John Terry and Cole Palmer in attendance as five Nigerians feature for Chelsea in loss to Norwich
- Awoniyi makes his first appearance in 55 days as Nottingham Forest claim huge win v Sheffield United
- U18 PL: Obi-Martin, Olusesi and Ajayi on target as Tottenham beat local rivals Arsenal
- The 7 best African soccer players of all time
- NLO1 2024: FWC FC head coach Bunmi Haruna hails fans, management for support
- FWC FC star dubbed the 'god of goals', Ugwu scores again; Flying Eagles coach keeping tabs on striker
- Italian champions Inter Milan plotting move for Kayode as potential replacement for Dumfries
- Chelsea monitoring the situation of soon-to-be free agent Nigerian defender
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football