Nigerians have started reacting to the Super Eagles’ World Cup preliminary list which was released by head coach Gernot Rohr on Monday.
Expressing their views on social media, some were optimistic, while others felt the list should have been overhauled to reflect the best legs in the country.
Some as well noted that there was nothing really new about the list, while others expressed doubts about the goalkeeping and defence departments.
“Rohr should know that Nigerians expect a team that would send fears to Argentina, Croatia and Iceland and not players that would cringe before their opponents,” said an anonymous football fan on Twitter.
Rohr selected four keepers with no World Cup experience -Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Ikechukwu
Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa) and Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United).
“When I looked at the goalkeepers, what came to my mind was Vicent Eyeanma. It is very unfortunate that he was frustrated and could not return from international retirement, I wish it could have been possible if NFF President had wanted,” said Akinbo Sunday – a grassroots goalkeeper coach.
“The preliminary list is a blend of youth and experience. I think Rohr is getting it right and would eventually select the best 23-man team that that would make Nigeria fly higher at the World Cup, ” said Victor Adebiyi.