As the Super Eagles of Nigeria step up their preparations for the World Cup 2018 qualifiers game against Algeria, Owngoalnigeria.com has gotten an insight as to why the duo of Anderson Esiti and Nosa Igiebor were dropped from the list of players for the tie.
The duo as reported by Owngoalnigeria.com are not in the list of 25 players called up for the November 12 tie, which could have a big impact on Nigeria’s leadership of Group B.
Gent of Belgium midfield powerhouse Esiti, whose inclusion has generated lot of debates was dropped due to the presence of utility midfielders in Wilfred Ndidi and Shehu Abdullahi.
Ndidi and Abdullahi can both play as full backs aside their defensive midfield role, with Genk Ndidi also able to play in central defence unlike Esiti who is only at home playing as a defensive midfielder, a role Eddy Onazi has made his personal property since 2013.
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Esiti’s pace was another deciding factor as he could slow down quick breaks, due to his lack of pace and inability to play a forward pass unlike the other players in his role.
Meanwhile Igiebor failed to sufficiently justify his call up to the team for the previous games against Tanzania and Zambia, with his performances against Akwa United and Plateau United in two friendly game, no where near what Rohr needs from his midfielder.
