Mikel, Iwobi, Onazi among seven important Eagles World Cup stars

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has listed seven important and experienced players he plans to name on the 23-man roster for the World Cup, reports allnigeriasoccer.com.

Of the seven players, the German tactician mentioned, five, including Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa, are currently playing for or have represented English clubs.

“We have a few very experienced players, such as our captain John Obi Mikel. Our two central defenders William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun are also very important to us, ‘’ Rohr said in an interview with South African football magazine Soccer Laduma.

‘’We have players such as Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi– they are also very important for us.

‘’We have many young players, and everyone has a role to play in our team. But the most important leaders are our captain Mikel, the vice-captain Ogenyi Onazi, and Ahmed Musa also.”

The aforementioned players are expected to report for international duty at Wrocław on Monday, March 19 ahead of Nigeria’s friendly against Poland.
Commenting on the chances of African teams progressing to the knockout rounds of the 2018 World Cup, Rohr backed Egypt to shine as they have Liverpool sensation, Mohamed Salah in their ranks.

The German tactician is hoping that the five African representatives in the mundial, including Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco, reach the last 16 of the tournament in Russia.

“Egypt is the best team in Africa as voted by CAF. They have the best coach. They have a chance in the group with Russia. The whole world will follow the group with the hosts,” Rohr said.

“They also have the best player in Africa in Mohammed Salah. I also think Senegal are strong. Tunisia, too, based on their strong league. A lot is possible for the African teams.

“Morocco with Herve Renard is also very good. They won the recent CHAN tournament, which proves that they have good local-based players.
“It would be great if all African teams reach the next round. That would be superb for African football.’’

Egypt will face hosts Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group A, Morocco will do battle with Portugal, Spain and Iran in Group B, Group G contains Tunisia, Panama, Belgium and England, Senegal trade tackles with Poland, Colombia and Japan in Group H.