In this second of a four-part series, Papertalk’s Guest Writer, football analyst Chiedu Onukogu looks at the abundance of talent Coach Samson Siasia has at his disposal in his pursuit of the Olympic soccer gold in Rio next year. In this instalment, Chiedu takes a look at the right backs, left backs and centre backs.


Siasia’s Olympic Dream - An Embarrassment of Riches

Part 2
By Chiedu Onukogu


THE RIGHT BACKS

1. Nura Abdullahi - The Roma youth prodigy will likely be among those considered to solve what has been a problematic position for coach Samson Siasia. Whether he is ready to graduate from competing for Primavera league honours (where he is an absolute stud!) to competing for an Olympic gold medal is the question.

2. Godswill Ekpolo - Was one of the foreign based players called up for the African Cup and was obviously never going to make it, but it is a clue that he is firmly in Siasia's plans for the summer. Playing well and seeing consistent minutes at Barcelona B. Versatile enough to play in central defence or midfield.

3. Musa Mohammed - Assuming that Siaone carries 3 players at this position on his provisional squad, the final slot likely will be between the quartet of Musa Mohammed, Moses Odubajo, Sincere Seth and Ndifreke Effiong. Last time he was in the U23 camp, Musa Mohammed left in a manner that likely didn't endear him to Siasia, but he still has a chance to be considered - particularly if he breaks into the first team at Turkish side Buyuksehir (which could happen in the 2nd half of the season).

Others: If not Musa, the other player to keep an eye on is Hull City's Moses Odubajo, but a decision on whether or not he will turn out for Nigeria is yet to be ascertained. Then there is Sincere Seth, who has been ever present in the squad from the beginning. Seth may well get the nod, with Siasia known to be the type of coach who shows loyalty to players who busted their butt for him, as mentioned earlier. However, despite many opportunities he has failed to take the bull by the horns which leaves the door open for others. As for Ndifreke Effiong, the right footed player has sadly been miscast as a Left Back due to a shortage of options in the team, but in his one opportunity to play Right Back at the All Africa Games he did the business. Add to that his versatility in being able to provide cover at multiple positions (he plays in defence, midfield and attack at Abia Warriors) and it would be no surprise to me to see him getting a chance to fight for a jersey to Rio.

One player that I haven't mentioned here is Wolverhampton's Dominic Iorfa, but the ship has likely sailed on his playing for Nigeria (at age grade level - at least).



THE LEFT BACKS

4. Kingsley Madu - Surprisingly dropped by Oliseh as he rebuilds the national team, Madu is surely among the first names to be called on by Siasia as he prepares for Rio. Continues to look like a top prospect at AS Trencin and will want to use the Olympic games to prove that he belongs in the Super Eagles.

5. Stanley Amuzie - Suffered a ligament injury during Nigeria's last U23 AFCON qualifier, but seems to be on track to recover in time to compete for an Olympic team spot. Prior to the injury, he was one of the key players in the side, and it looked like a Super Eagles call-up was in the offing. Siasia will be hoping that he will be all the way back to form and fitness by the time the Olympiad rolls around.

6. Chima Akas - Seems to be highly thought of by Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh, but bad timing of injuries and national team duty have kept him from having a runout with Siasia's team, more than anything else. Should finally get a chance to prove his worth in the U23 side heading into the Olympics.

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