With a plethora of stars in the Super Eagles squad both in defence and attack, coach Gernot Rohr faces an obvious headache in selecting his lineup and tactics against Liberia. The return of Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and Odion Ighalo provides a big boast to the Super Eagles. Rohr will also be looking at how to utilize players like Chidera Ejuke after he enjoyed a scintillating performance last time out against Central African Republic.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play against the Lone Stars of Liberia at the Stade Ibn Batouta with their fate in their own hands. The Super Eagles are two points clear at the summit of their World Cup qualifying group. They will need to win their remaining two games, against Liberia and Cape Verde, to advance to the third round of the qualifiers. Therefore, coach Gernot Rohr need to bring in his best legs.
Below is a rundown and analysis of the various tactics and lineups Rohr might pull out against Liberia.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Okoye, Aina, Ekong, Balogun, Collins, Ndidi, Aribo, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Simon
Coach Gernot Rohr may stick to his usual 4-3-3 formation with the back four of Aina, Ekong, Balogun and Collins lining up in front of Okoye. The return of Leicester midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi is a welcome development as it will allow Joe Aribo more freedom to be involved in attack. Chukwueze could also be drafted into the starting lineup after an eight month absence from the Nigerian team. With Liberia expected to sit deep throughout the game, his ability to unlock defence through his dribbles could be a useful asset. Simon could join him and Osimhen in attack though Chidera Ejuke remains a viable option as well.
Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Okoye, Omeruo, Balogun, Ekong, Collins, Onyeka, Ndidi, Iheanacho, Simon, Chukwueze, Ighalo
Gernot Rohr may stick to the 3-5-2 formation he used against the Central African Republic in the last game which produced results. Kenneth Omeruo may join the “Oyinbo wall” at the heart of defence with Moses Simon continuing in right wing back. The double act of Onyeka and Ndidi will provide an energetic presence in midfield with Iheanacho given the license to join the attack. Rohr could start returning striker, Odion Ighalo in attack.
(Odion Ighalo)
It is going to be interesting to see which tactics or lineup Rohr utilizes against Liberia. Whatever the personnel called upon, all hands must be on deck to make sure the Super Eagles takes another step closer to Qatar.
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