Hypothetical Super Eagles 26-man squad for 2022 World Cup if Nigeria had qualified 

Published: November 11, 2022
Hypothetical Super Eagles 26-man squad for 2022 World Cup if Nigeria had qualified 

Teams that qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar have been naming their 26-man squads. 

 

Nigeria's flag will not be hoisted at the tournament after three consecutive appearances between 2010 and 2018 albeit the maiden appearance of the three-time African champions was in 1994 in the USA. 

 

In this piece, allnigeriasoccer.com's Izuchukwu Michael presents his hypothetical Super Eagles team to the 2022 World Cup.

 

However, players eligible to represent Nigeria but whose procedures to effect that change of allegiance would not be concluded before the World Cup have been left out. 

 

Goalkeepers

 

It's traditional for teams heading to major tournaments to go with three goalkeepers. 

 

Izuchukwu has gone with the trio of Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye and Adebayo Adeleye. 

 

Defenders

 

In defence, four full backs (two at left backs and right backs) and five central defenders are listed. 

 

One important factor in the decision of the full backs is the ability of those who made the cut to also on either on the right or left side of central defence. 

 

The right-backs are Tyronne Ebuehi and Chidozie Awaziem while on the left back positions are the duo of Calvin Bassey and Brian Idowu.

 

Central defenders are made up of  Kevin Akpoguma, William Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun, Olisa Ndah and Valentine Ozornwafor.

 

Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi and Jamilu Collins all miss out due to injuries. 

 

Midfielders

 

The midfield is made up of eight players in defensive and attacking areas. 

 

The four players in defensive midfield are Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Raphael Onyedika and Innocent Bonke.

 

The defensive midfield players offer steel and guile and will be tasked with shielding the defence. 

 

In the attacking midfield, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Joe Aribo and Kelechi Nwakali make the cut. 

 

Attackers 

 

The attack is is made up of six players: three traditional numbers 9s and three wingers. 

 

They are Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu as the strikers while the wing players are Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.

 

As stated in the introductory part of this piece, Nigeria-eligible players whose change of allegiance before the World Cup kicks off are a tad too late have been left out of the team otherwise the team could have been slightly different.

 

Hypothetical Super Eagles's 26-man squad for 2022 World Cup

 

Goalkeepers (3): Maduka Okoye (Watford); Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem)

 

Defenders (9): Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates); Calvin Bassey (Ajax FC); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim); Valentine Ozornwafor (Sochaux); Leon Balogun (Queens Park Rangers); Chidozie Awaziem (HNK Hajduk Split); Brian Idowu (Khimki); William Troost-Ekong (Watford)
 

Midfielders (8): Joe Aribo (Southampton); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City ); Frank Onyeka (Brentford); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge); Innocent Bonke (Lorient); Oghenekaro Etebo (Aris); Kelechi Nwakali (SD Ponferradina)

 

Forwards (6): Moses Simon (Nantes FC); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC); Terem Moffi (Lorient FC); Paul Onuachu (Genk FC ); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli)  

 

Izuchukwu Michael 

 

Copyright ANS


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