Yesterday in Constantine in Algeria, the Super Eagles rounded up their 2018 World Cup qualifiers. It was a dead rubber match because they had since qualified for the World Cup in Russia.
The Eagles had opened their 2018 World Cup qualifiers with a stunning 2-1 away win over Zambia, they returned home to beat the Desert Foxes of Algeria 3-1 in Uyo. At the resumption of the qualifiers in September, the Eagles devoured the Lions of Cameroon 4-0 in Uyo and followed up with another 1-1 draw against the reigning African champions in Yaounde.

Thus, with their 1-0 victory over the Chipolopolo of Zambia on October 7 in Uyo, the Eagles amassed unassailable 13 points from five matches played to pick the group B ticket ahead of former African champions, Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia.
Looking at the performance of the Super Eagles under Franco-German tactician Gernor Rohr, it will only be affair to commend the players for sparring their fans the usual suspension, anxiety and permutations they are exposed to each time the Eagles prosecute the World Cup qualifiers.
Although each player contributed their quota in one way or the other to the success of the team, some of them distinguished themselves throughout the qualifiers. While some scored very important goals, others ensured the defence didn’t leak goals just as others provided the much need inspiration for the team.
Therefore, without undermining the contributions of other players in the team, I have identified five outstanding Eagles who propelled the team to their sixth World Cup. In addition, with their outstanding performances, the five are sure bets for Russia 2018, unless the unexpected happens before the mundial.



1. Victor Moses: The Chelsea of England man used the 2018 World Cup qualifiers to appease those fans who before now accused him of not showing enough commitment to the Super Eagles. At a stage, it was even alleged that he chooses matches to play for Nigeria. However, such accusations and doubts have been dispelled by his superlative outing for the Eagles in the just concluded qualifiers. Apart from yesterday’s match, Moses played all the matches making significant impact as he literally drove the team to success. He also contributed three goals to the11 goals scored by the team in the five matches he played. The Chelsea star who missed yesterday’s match against Algeria due to hamstring injury scored a brace against Algeria and was on target again against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Uyo.



2. Alex Iwobi: Although he missed the double header against Cameroon, the Arsenal youngster proved his mettle in the team’s attack by scoring the two most important goals in the team’s campaign. He scored Nigeria’s first goal in the opening match against Zambia in Ndola. As fate would have it, after missing out of the party against Lions of Cameroon because of injury, he returned to score the goal that sealed Nigeria’s ticket to the 2018 World Cup. When it appeared the Zambians would spoil the Super Eagles’ party right in front of their teeming fans, Iwobi stepped forward to score the goal that broke the hearts of the Chipolopolo.


3. John Mikel Obi: The former Chelsea of England man justified why he is the captain of the team as he did not only provide the much needed inspiration but scored two goals, one against the Desert Foxes of Algeria and another against the highly rated Lions of Cameroon. He led by example by being among the first to report to camp. The Tianjin TEDA of China player also exhibited the required leadership on the field of play. Although he was substituted in some of the matches, it was not about his abilities but the law of diminishing returns which is catching up with the immensely talented captain. He will be making his second World Cup appearance having missed out of the 2010 edition due to injury.


4. William Troost-Ekong: The centre back who plays for Bursaspor in the Turkish topflight has formed a formidable partnership with Leo Balogun in the heart of the Super Eagles defence. What is now referred to as the ‘Oyibo wall’ is made possible by the former Netherland junior international. He played in all the matches and effectively coordinated the defence of the team just as he occasionally popped forward to make goal attempts. Thus, barring unforeseen circumstances, the player who made his debut for the Super Eagles on June 13 against Chad in the AFCON qualifiers has booked his ticket to Russia. His stellar performances have won for him the hearts of millions of Nigerian football fans.



5. Wilfred Ndidi: Call this young Leicester City defensive midfielder the ‘silent operator’ and you won’t be far from the truth for he does defensive business without much ado. Within a short period of time, the former Flying Eagles star has shown so much maturity and is preferred ahead of some of the older players in the team. His move to the English Premier League from Belgium has indeed increased his confidence level such that he now plays with a swagger. He reads play very well and makes timely interceptions. In addition, his long passes have caused opposing defences lots of troubles. Although he could not convince Rohr when he experimented with him in the right-full back position, Ndidi is no doubt a versatile defender. Like the other four, unless something goes wrong before the World Cup, he will be on the flight to Russia for his first World Cup experience.