Joel Obi and Brian Idowu look likely to start tonight against Poland with Uzoho manning goal

SUPER Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr looks likely to hand starting places to Joel Obi and Brian Idowu tonight when the team takes on Poland in a friendly match at the Stadion Miejski in the city of Wroclaw.

 

In the first of a double header that will see Nigeria also face Serbia in London on March 27 at Barnet's The Hives Stadium in north London, the Eagles kick off their World Cup preparations tonight. Although the team is without skipper Mikel Obi tonight, as he had work permit and visa issues, the squad appears to be strong and is looking sharp.

 

Last night, Mr Rohr gave an indication of what his starting line-up would be and it looks like Deportivo La Coruna's Francis Uzoho has made the number one jersey his own. Also, Torino's Joel Obi who is returning to the team after a four-year absence during which he has been plagued with injury appears to have impressed enough to get a starting shirt.

 

Likewise, Brian Idowu, who plies his trade with FC Amkar Perm in Russia, appears to have got the nod to play as the team's leftback. At yesterday's training session, all three ended playing for the A side that is expected to start tonight's game.

 

Obi started the game in midfield for the B team but was switched to the A team due to his sterling performance. Mr Rohr was impressed with his performance and moved him to the A team in place of Ogenyi Onazi and he immediately helped stabilise the midfield.

 

Striker Odion Ighalo said he is optimistic of a good outing for the team. Nigeria's Eagles are 3-1 odds to beat the Poles at home and Ighalo stated that with the calibre of players and the winning mindset of the team, they can shock the Poles.

 

He added: “I am fully ready for the game and I’m sure other guys here are also in top shape for the match. We know it won’t be an easy one but these are the kind of games we need if we must perform well at the World Cup in Russia.

 

“They will definitely not be a pushover team but we have the players that can upset them right in front of their own fans." Onazi added that he believes that the team will be stable despite the absence of captain Mikel Obi, whose experience is vital to the Super Eagles.

 

Possible line-up:

Francis Uzoho

Shehu Abdullahi

Brian Idowu

Leon Balogun

William Troost-Ekong

Wilfred Ndidi

Joel Obi

Kelechi Iheanacho

Alex Iwobi

Victor Moses

Odion Ighalo

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