Not even the best coach in the world would ignore a solid defender like Trabzonspor’s Chibuikem Nwaiwu and without a doubt, he’s in the Eagles’ nest.
He’s deservedly in anyway, though through a default as a stop gap for Fulham star Calvin Bassey who’s missing the Four Nations Invitational due to an injury.
Logistics were far from a hinder, Nwaiwu just made an inter-city commute to the Four Nations tourney in Antalya from his Trabszon base.
Nwaiwu reunites with his team mate Paul Onuachu for tournament as the duo continue their impressive form this season.
Super Eagles’ coach Eric Chelle, a huge apostle of compact defensive style continues to make a statement with his latest newbie. He’s earlier put a seal on the invite of Glasgow Rangers’ star Emmanuel Fernandez to complete a frantic pursuit to tighten the defence to his full taste.
Nwaiwu comes as a great bargain for him as he’s spoilt for choices to complete the building process of a formidable fortress in the central defence with Bassey controlling.
The former Enyimba star comes with a smoking form and will surely impress Chelle to hand him a huge responsibility going forward.
Nwaiwu isn’t afraid of competition despite the presence of Fernandez, Igho Ogbu and Semi Ajayi as his Trabzonspor form proves he’s a tough nut.
Confidently built like a rock, with a good head and brilliant feet, Nwaiwu’s ratings thus far appear to make a huge case for him.
Tough in the air as well, Turkish Super Lig strikers never leave the pitch without sweating after encountering Nwaiwu. Such is the reputation he’s bringing to the Super Eagles.
With Bassey out injured, Chelle, a smart gambler and a lover of youthfulness, could throw Nwaiwu in for Iran and Jordan. A possible pair of Ajayi/Ogbu and Nwaiwu is simmering and Chelle is cooking.
Bassey/Ajayi’s communication lines have been tasted and Chelle appears not to be fully convinced with the signals.
Will Nwaiwu seize this chance to announce himself into the team and pitch a rent?
Nwaiwu could be rekindling “lost” Aba flames in the Super Eagles since homeboys Okechukwu Uche and Obinna Nwaneri left huge marks in the Eagles’ central defence.
Could he be the eventual Bassey’s permanent link in the Eagles’ central defence?
It remains to be seen how Nwaiwu fares in the tournament should be given a nod.
Perhaps, Chelle will now take his elusive holidays in the Mediterranean Beach Resort now that the missing link is here.
IKENWA ASHIBUOGWU NNABUOGOR
