As the senior national team of Nigeria step up their training session ahead of the game against Sao Tome and Principe, they will later today have their first full training session in preparation for the game on Sunday.
Nigeria are already through to next year Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire but coach Jose Peseiro still called up most of the regulars. His idea is to encourage competition in the team ahead of the start of the World Cup qualifiers in November.
Some players particularly those in the team for the first time will use the opportunity to cement a spot in the team, while others will see it as a way of reclaiming their spot especially those who are staging a return to the team.
OwnGoalNigeria.com editor in chief Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman takes a look at the key battles, which will begin today as players start the process of fighting for a spot in the team ahead of Sunday.
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In Goal- Francis Uzoho reclaimed his spot as first choice goalkeeper after the AFCON but was missing for the team’s game against Benin Republic. In his absence Adeleye Adebayo made a huge statement for the spot with a strong showing in the 3-2 away win. Uzoho is back in the squad but Adeleye will fancy keeping his spot by giving his all in training. It’s one decision to keep an eye on.
Ola Aina vs Tyronne Ebuehi – This battle is for the right full back spot of the team and it will certainly go down to the wire. Both players are returning to the set up after a while. In their absence Bright Osayi Samuel cemented the spot and now the battle between them will be about who gets to earn the right to challenge Osayi-Samuel in November, when the World Cup qualifiers gets underway.
Jordan Torunarigha vs Calvin Bassey – Both players can play as left full backs aside playing as left sided centre backs. Peseiro has always made reference of the importance of a left footed center back, and that has somehow pitched the above mentioned duo against each other in the fight for a spot in the team.
Bassey will feel he has the edge in this one but Jordan who is in the team for the first time will no doubt think otherwise.
Jamilu Collins vs Bruno Onyemaechi – Both players are returning to the set up after taking turns as back up to Zaidu Sanusi. In his absence, the duo will slug it out for a spot and possibly be in the squad again for the world cup qualifiers, which begins in November.
Kelechi Iheanacho vs Victor Boniface – Peseiro plays a 4-2-4 formation when up against teams that play with a low block and that is how Sao Tome will likely approach the game after getting thrashed 10-2 in the reverse tie. That means the role of who will be behind the striker is up for grabs and it has been narrowed to just the duo of Iheanacho and Boniface.
Awoniyi is more like the back up to Osimhen in the top striker’s role but who plays just behind them is a decision that will be made soon. Gift Orban might also fancy getting involved in the battle.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
