Some journalists on Wednesday commended the 30-man Super Eagles provisional list for the Russia 2018 World Cup released by Coach Gernor Rohr.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles gaffer, Rohr on Monday released the 30-man squad for the summer Mundial.
The players are: Goalkeepers — Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa Daniel Akpeyi and Dele Ajiboye.
The defenders: Leon Balogun, William Troost- Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Brian Idowu and Elderson Echejile, Shehu Abdulahi, Ola Aina, Tyrone Ebuehi, Stephen Eze and Chidozie Awaziem.
The Midfielders are Mikel Obi, Joel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Mikel Agu, Etebo Oghenekaro, John Ogu, Uche Agu and Wilfred Ndidi.
The Attckers are Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon,Victor Moses, Junior Lokosa, Simeon Nwankwo, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Sports enthusiasts told NAN that it was a reflection of the quality the team was made of.
A sports journalist with TVC, Solomon Ajusiogu, said the list represented the best collection of the Eagles so far, adding that the coach was magnanimous enough to give some players a chance to prove themselves.
“I think these players are the best we have right now, if we have other players elsewhere, maybe they are not up to the quality of those the coach invited right now.
“The coach is even magnanimous to give some players chance to prove themselves, especially those that were not in the team during the build up to the World Cup. Players like Efe Ambrose and Simeon Nwankwo.
“That they are being given the opportunity to represent the country at the world stage is not a bad idea.
“The list is well balanced. Save injuries, some of the players are sure to be in the final list for the World Cup. Players like the Captain, Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Francis Uzoho and Odion Ighalo.
The recall of Efe Ambrose from the Scottish League and Junior Lokossa who is being given a chance, is also good,’’ he said.
Patrick Ibeh of metro FM Radio (Godfather), said that Rohr had a team capable of springing surprises during the Mundial save hard luck against them.
“The list is fantastic; I believe Rohr has done his homework very well before coming out with the list. He has a team he can work with, young and talented. They are thirsty for glory.
“I also like the fact that he put the list to his chest and did not succumb to pressures before releasing it. We did not miss out any player that is in form but omitted from the list.
“So, if we go to the World Cup now, our performances will not depend on the quality of the players but on our luck if it can carry us far in the tournament.
“The coach must have monitored the players very well.
“I see Rohr as someone who knew his onions very well and wants success, he works for success. We need to give him all the support he needs,’’ he said.
A freelance journalists, Rotimi Arabi, said the coach was wise enough to keep to the winning team, an action he regarded as noble.
“Rohr is noble enough to keep his winning team; there is an adage which says you don’t change a winning team.
“We are also happy that all the players that played the qualifiers are fit to play at the World Cup.
“If there is going to be any alteration in the team, which may be that someone is injured which we are not praying for; the team is made up of young and aspiring players.
“From goalkeepers to the attackers, they are well balanced and they have played together for a while now, only that the strikers need to have some hunger in them so as to outscore our opponents,’’ he said. (NAN)