While
Nigeria’s performances at the Confederations Cup earlier in the summer
offered some cause for optimism, they also unveiled some unmistakable
weaknesses in Stephen Keshi’s squad.
Despite hitting six past Tahiti, the Super Eagles too often stuttered and stalled in attack; a whole host of strikers failing to convince despite being afforded gilt-edged opportunities.
During the ill-fated foray to Brazil, the strikers chosen by Keshi revealed why they are not yet the men to carry the baton at the World Cup next summer.
Anthony Ujah showed himself to be “prone to both hesitation and over-elaboration”; Mohammed Gambo will, somewhat unfairly, be remembered for his dismal miss against Spain – a failure which brought back memories of Yakubu against South Korea at the 2010 World Cup.
Joseph Akpala, despite ostensibly having all the tools to prosper in the international scene, revealed why he has been discarded by several previous coaches; Ideye Brown was all energy and dynamism, but his shooting was wild and inaccurate; while Ahmed Musa will surely one day blossom into a top forward, but only when his decision-making improves.
Do not despair, however … below are five Nigerian strikers who, if they prosper in the coming months, could solve these misgivings come the World Cup.
VICTOR ANICHEBE
Back in July I wrote about Victor Anichebe, outlining why this could be the season that the Everton man finally delivers on his potential.
To date, his career has been stymied by numerous galling injuries, many involving long setbacks and extended stays on the sidelines.
Last season, however, Anichebe managed to avoid the knocks and niggles that have plagued him previously. He featured 26 times in the Premier League, his best campaign since 2008.
While ‘Big Vic’ has never been the most prolific of frontmen, he could certainly offer a physical presence lacking among Nigeria’s current striking options. Having taken time off from national duty in order to focus on his club career, Stephen Keshi sought a meeting with the Everton man in order to convince him to return to the fold. It may be that the prospect of the World Cup is simply too irresistible for the Lagos-born forward.
Expect to see him line up for the Super Eagles over the coming months.
SONE ALUKO
Like Anichebe, Sone Aluko is another who has suffered some rough luck with injuries.
Heading into the new year, with the prospect of a potential trip to the Cup of Nations on the horizon, Aluko suffered a tear to his Achilles. Initial estimates anticipated he would spend six weeks on the sidelines but, in fact, the injury signalled the end of his season.
Despite this, Aluko still ended the year as Hull’s second-highest scorer, contributing eight valuable goals as the Tigers roared back to the top-flight.
Now fit again, he has the opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League – his contribution could be pivotal to Hull’s hopes of staying in the division.
Aluko is a versatile player who can operate in a number of forward positions. While the likely presence of Victor Moses may negate his contribution, Aluko could certainly offer an attacking threat and, more importantly, goals, to the Nigerian side.
SHOLA AMEOBI
At one point last season it seemed like Shola Ameobi’s international career was over almost as soon as it had begun. Having made his international debut against Venezuela in November 2012, the Newcastle frontman was part of the manager’s plans for the Cup of Nations.
Unfortunately, his international ambitions were shelved as a clause in his contract revealed that he was forbidden from competing in the competition.
Over the last few months both Ameobi and Keshi have indicated a willingness to work together again and it could be that the veteran’s chances of playing in a major international tournament have not totally diminished.
The most appealing thing about the forward would probably be his experience, which is in stark contrast to the young Nigerian squads typically assembled by Keshi. Don’t bet against the World Cup 2014 being a perfect career swansong for Ameobi.
IMOH EZEKIEL
The youngest player on this list, it feels inevitable that Imoh Ezekiel will one day be Nigeria’s key man up top.
The striker bagged 16 goals last term and top scored for Standard Liege as the Belgian side forced their way into the Europa League. Still only 19, the Lagos-born forward is far from the finished product, but he has already demonstrated an aptitude for goal-scoring and a relish for shredding defences.
The Super Eagles may face a challenge to enlist the youngster. While, for now, he has indicated that he hopes to represent Nigeria, Belgium apparently have their own intentions to add him to their star-studded roster.
Now may be the ideal time to welcome Ezekiel into the national set-up, allowing him to integrate in time for next summer’s World Cup.
MICHAEL ENERAMO
For many Nigeria fans, it is hard to fathom why Michael Eneramo has not been a central component of the Keshi era.
The forward seemingly possesses the lot; he is strong, he carries and aerial threat, he can run and, most importantly, he can score goals. Over the last two seasons he bagged 29 goals in 77 fixtures for Turkish side Sivasspor.
Initially called into the Nigeria side in 2009, it’s remarkable that Eneramo hasn’t been given more playing time by national selectors over the subsequent years.
Signed by capital giants Besiktas this summer, if Eneramo continues his goal-scoring form at such a major club, Keshi will be unable to ignore his appeals. The frontman could emerge as a major threat next summer.
By Ed Dove
On Twitter @EddyDove
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