Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, Tuesday evening, released the list of players to tackle defending African champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, next month.

The Nigerian team, with six points from two games, leads the Group B of the African race to Russia and will play the Cameroonians in two quick-fire encounters -first at the Goodswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, September 1, before flying to Yaounde, September 4, to play the return fixtures.

Here are six things to know from the list of invited players:

Mikel: Nigeria’s Midfield General is Around
The former Chelsea man was unavoidably absent from the team with injury when they lost 0-2 to South Africa in a 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier as well as the friendly games against Senegal, Togo and Corsica.

He returns to the side to give them the needed boost and cover; a development soccer fans across the country are delighted with.

2. Moses is Back: Will He Lead the Team to the Promise Land?

After netting a brace in Uyo as the Super Eagles beat Algeria 3-1 in November’s 2018 World Cup qualifier, the Chelsea wing-back returns to face the defending African Champions.

Victor Moses who has already registered his name in the English Premier League which is just two-week old, is expected, with his pacy and boisterous runs, to lead Nigeria’s attacking line against their eternal rivals.

Just like former Chelsea teammate, Mikel, the wing-back missed out of the friendly encounters against Togo and Corsica, as well as the 0-2 loss to South Africa in June.

3. Ola Aina Gets Rohr’s Nod

The Hull City man has been given a chance to fight for a spot in Gernot Rohr’s defence line.

With Nigeria able to convince the former England youth international to switch allegiance, and the increasingly difficulty at finding a suitable right full back, Ola Aina may well become the right man to lay claim to that spot.

4. Kenneth Omeruo Has Fallen Down the Pecking Order

Omeruo’s inability to settle in Chelsea, may have well cost him his spot in the Super Eagles line up.

The defender who was a part of the 2013 AFCON-winning squad, has been in the football loan wilderness since signing for the Blues.

He played in the game against Algeria but was an unused substitute when the team lost 0-2 to South Africa with Rohr giving the nod to Chidozie Awaziem.

5. Odion Ighalo Gets Another Life-Line

The former Watford striker who now plies his trade in China with Changchun Yatai, has been largely disappointing since making his debut for the Super Eagles on March 26, 2015 in a 0-1 friendly loss to Uganda.

He was an unused substitute as Nigeria beat Zambia in the first game of the 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Ighalo’s fine form for his Chinese team where he has bagged eight goals in 18 games.

6. Home-based Stars Sidelined:

With the exception of FC Ifeanyi Ubah goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, no Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) player made it to the list.

Many pundits were looking forward to seeing the likes of MFM FC duo of Sikiru Olatunbosun and Stephen Odey.

However, Gernot Rohr and his team penned down three out of seven players on standby.

http://dailyherald.ng/mikel-returns-and-five-talking-points-from-eagles-list-vs-cameroon/