4 players who should start in defence against Algeria.
As preparations for the 2018 World Cup qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Fennec Foxes of Algeria gathers momentum, the host manager Gernot Rohr must be thinking deeply on the perfect solution to the shaky Super Eagles defence.
After an impressive outing against Zambia in Ndola last month it was obvious the Super Eagles back four needs to be better and perfect against a formidable side like Algeria who possess deadly attackers.
Although, under Gernot Rohr the Super Eagles have scored three goals and conceded once away from home in Ndola, kept a clean sheet at home to Tanzania. The porous performance by Elderson Echiejile at left-back in the match against Zambia remain a suspect and looks like a hole opponents can exploit.
The choice of the Franco-German coach to play Musa Mohammeed and Wilfred Ndidi at right back against Tanzania and Zambia respectively doesn't seem like the problem was solved. Musa’s below average performance against Tanzania in Uyo saw him play from the bench in Ndola, and the choice of Ndidi proved counterproductive as Kalaba made it a nightmare show in Ndola.
Kenneth Omeruo’s inconsistency at the heart of defence makes the coach job more difficult, his poor decision against Zambia denied Carl Ikeme a clean sheet after the goalkeeper had a great performance in the game.
A very potent Algeria attack with Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani and Porto's Yacine Brahimi could take advantage of the leaky defence to punish the Super Eagles in front of the expected 30,000 fans.
Coach Rorh invited nine defenders but Ado Den Haag’s defender, Tyrone Ebuehi has pulled out due to club commitment leaving eight defenders available for selection. Leon Balogun makes a return to the team after missing the game in Ndola. William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Uche Agbo, Shehu Abdullahi, Musa Mohammed and Elderson Echiejile retain their place with only Kingsley Madu handed a chance to prove his worth and compete with Echiejile at the left back position.
First choice goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has been ruled out due to injury, the Algerian might see that as a tactical advantage, reason why Rohr needs to set up a strong defence line that would shield either Ikechukwu Ezenwa or Daniel Akpeyi that might start in goal.
*Right Back - Shehu Abdullahi:*
Shehu Abdullahi arguably was one of the Dream Team VI best players at the 2016 Rio Olympic games. His clinical tackles and energy to run down the flanks couple with a brilliant final ball delivery helped the Nigeria U23 team won bronze.
He is a regular at Anorthosis Famagusta in Cyrus and that gives him the match fitness advantage over Musa and converted Ndidi. He has shown he is capable enough to get the job done from the right back position.
His height will be another advantage during set pieces situation and when the Super Eagles are under pressure, his recovery rate will be important against deadly Mahrez and Slimani.
*Centre Back: Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong:*
The duo's combination against Tanzania was superb, the tactical understanding was great. Although, many would say it was against Tanzania but the fact remains the duo seems the best pairing for the Super Eagles.
Ekong has been a commanding figure for his club side in Norway and he made the Norwegian Premier League team of the season, he scored on several occasions to cap his great season. He was brave and excellent in Ndola and won most of the aerial battles.
Balogun's commitment and experience gives a big advantage to the team, he offers stability and a compact defence line. He is back from injury and ready to fight for his country. He is tall and big, formidably pacey and recovery rate is superb. He plays with a lot technicality and his tackles are timely and perfect.
The duo combination will produce a defensive solidity, and a physical centre back pairing.
*Left Back: Elderson Echiejile:*
It seems Kingsley Madu isn't the solution to the suspect left back position, the SV Zulte Waregem of Belgium look to have added weight and he brings no big competition. He was terrible during the Olympics and Rohr might not consider him starting ahead of Echiejile.
Echiejile will continue to play, maybe not the best choice but from what is available for Rohr to select for the matchday.
The last time Echiejile was rated high in the Super Eagles colours was during the 2013 AFCON, the championship the Eagles won and his goal against Mali in the semi-final game was one of those memory.
He was slow against Zambia, he needs to improve his speed and intelligence. On his day, Echiejile is a decent defender. His experience in the national team was another advantage and his confidence level at such big stage.
History and head-to-head statistics favours the Super Eagles, a formidable back four will be key to the team's success on Saturday.
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