The new coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Janne Andersson is expected to ring some changes to the team when he officially takes over as the replacement for Finidi George, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
61 year old Andersson has been picked by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as the new coach of the team, preferred ahead of the duo of Tom Saintfeit and Eric Chelle who were the last two left in a four man shortlist.
He is expected to lead the team in the AFCON qualifiers game in September against Benin Republic and Rwanda respectively. We pick five changes he will likely make to the setup he will inherit upon his official unveiling as coach.
1. Okoye Back As Number 1: It is an idea that is gaining grounds based on the impressive performance of the former number 1 for Udinese in the Italian Serie A. Yesterday he made two late saves to help his team salvage a 1-1 draw against Bologna. Although Stanley Nwabali is firmly established as the first choice, Okoye’s weekly performance in a top 5 European league will no doubt put the Chippa United shot stopper reign as first choice under threat.
2. Benjamin Tanimu Out – A favourite of the former coach Finidi who used him in three of the four games he handled as coach, a decision which was questioned by some senior players in the team who were in doubt over his readiness for such height. His recent move to another mid table Tanzanian club Singida FC from Ihefu FC might not be enough to keep him in the frame for further call ups.
3. Bring Back Aribo – Andersson is a fan of hardworking players and that is what Aribo brings especially if the setup is right. Reduced to a bit part player by Jose Peseiro at the AFCON and dropped by Finidi, the Southampton midfielder has the kind of profile the new coach wants in his team.
4. End Musa’s International Career – Despite not playing a total of 90 minutes in almost two seasons the captain of the team Ahmed Musa recently said he is still in the groove with the national team. Andersson might ensured that doesn’t happen especially if he still remains clubless. The coach is big on players who are getting regular run of games at club level.
5. New Center Back Needed – Four of the experienced center backs in Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Semi Ajayi are already in their 30’s. The coach will have to make a huge decision on their future when he resumes.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
