The 2022 African Nations Cup (AFCON 2022) is finally here, and 16 teams will fight for the top prize in Cameroon.
What comes to mind are the chances of each team to winning the trophy. Afterwards, comes the favourite tag of the ones that could emerge champions.
Fortunately, Nigeria always fall into this category. The reason is not far-fetched- the Super Eagles have pool of talents.
It is no longer news that they will be in Cameroon without Leon Balogun, Victor Osimhen and in-form Dennis Bonaventure.
These three are no doubt in their prime and could have added a lot of bite to the team, especially in the attacking department.
In the defense department, we can still rely on Kenneth Omeruo who is not a stranger to Troost-Ekong, having partnered with him at the last edition.
But what surprises Nigerians is the excuse of the same Watford that released William Troost-Ekong and failed to release Dennis.
There will be another day to criticise the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for not doing the needful.
No doubt, the English club is in a relegation battle and won’t want to lose an important player at this moment, but not giving Nigeria the due respect is unacceptable.
On the part of Osimhen who personally seek exclusion, it is reasonable for a player who almost lost his eye and needs his recovery.
It won’t be surprising to see him back in action for Napoli while the AFCON is ongoing. And thus, he just got injured in the Serie A clash played today agunst Sampdoria, having recovered from COVID-19.
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The Super Eagles would have been compensated with the return of Odion Ighalo, but his non-release by his club means that Nigeria would Sadiq Umar, who plies his trade in Spain with Almeria.
We can also be happy with the inclusion of Kelechi Iheanacho.
Who are in the Nigeria’s 28-man squad for AFCON 2022
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); John Noble (Enyimba FC); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Paderborn 07, Germany); Tyrone Ebuehi (Venezia, Italy), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Nwakali (SD Huesca, Spain)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain); Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Peter Olayinka 9Sparta Prague, Czech Republic); Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray, Turkey); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford FC, England)
This 28-man squad has what it takes to win the trophy. It is the Super Eagles alone that can stop themselves.
It is high time we take our chances and the defense should not be caught napping.
The AFCON has provided Nigeria with another opportunity to add to win and be the giant of Africa it is known for. Thus, the first test against Egypt will go a long way to reveal what this youthful side can achieve at the Mundial.
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