Utaka leads attack as Eagles spring surprises
Utaka has shone at French champions Montpellier
Yobo visits upbeat Eagles
Montpellier striker John Utaka will lead Nigeria’s hunt for
goals against Namibia Sunday as a few surprises are expected on the starting
XI.
Utaka has returned from a two-year international wilderness on the back of a superlative season in France with recently crowned champions Montpellier.
The 30-year-old striker is expected to reproduce the form he displayed in the French Ligue 1 this past season, where he scored seven goals.
He will play alongside wingers Victor Moses from English Premier League Wigan Athletic and Ejike Uzoenyi of Enugu Rangers in a 4-3-3 formation.
MTNFootball.com has specially gathered that Norway-based Fengor Ogude, Henry Uche and Obiora Nwankwo are top of the consideration in midfield ahead of the likes of Reuben Gabriel.
The defence will be drawn mainly from the Nigeria Premier League with Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Juwon Oshaniwa (Sharks) and Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), all likely to get the nod.
Team officials inform that Oshaniwa has been picked ahead of Sporting Braga of Portugal left back Elderson Echiejile, who has failed to convince the selectors during training in Calabar.
Lille goalkeeper and stand-in Eagles skipper Vincent Enyeama and South Africa-based central defender Gege Soriola are the foreign pros in the defence.
Soriola only made his Eagles debut in last week’s friendly against Peru in Lima and will fill in for injured skipper Joseph Yobo ahead of the likes of Efe Ambrose and Papa Idris.
Utaka has returned from a two-year international wilderness on the back of a superlative season in France with recently crowned champions Montpellier.
The 30-year-old striker is expected to reproduce the form he displayed in the French Ligue 1 this past season, where he scored seven goals.
He will play alongside wingers Victor Moses from English Premier League Wigan Athletic and Ejike Uzoenyi of Enugu Rangers in a 4-3-3 formation.
MTNFootball.com has specially gathered that Norway-based Fengor Ogude, Henry Uche and Obiora Nwankwo are top of the consideration in midfield ahead of the likes of Reuben Gabriel.
The defence will be drawn mainly from the Nigeria Premier League with Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Juwon Oshaniwa (Sharks) and Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), all likely to get the nod.
Team officials inform that Oshaniwa has been picked ahead of Sporting Braga of Portugal left back Elderson Echiejile, who has failed to convince the selectors during training in Calabar.
Lille goalkeeper and stand-in Eagles skipper Vincent Enyeama and South Africa-based central defender Gege Soriola are the foreign pros in the defence.
Soriola only made his Eagles debut in last week’s friendly against Peru in Lima and will fill in for injured skipper Joseph Yobo ahead of the likes of Efe Ambrose and Papa Idris.
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