Homebased sides urged to seize Super Eagles chance -Okonkwo

Nigeria worldwide Chibuzor Okonkwo has urged Enyimba duo John Noble, Anayo Iwuala and Abia Warriors defender Adekunle Adeleke to provide a great account of themselves towards the Republic of Benin.

Noble was a part of the Tremendous Eagles 24-man squad for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers towards the Squirrels and Lesotho.

His Enyimba teammate Iwuala was a substitute for Almeria ahead Sadiq Umar whereas Adeleke was introduced on for Leganes centre-back Kenneth Omeruo, who withdrew from the encounters.

Nigeria will tackle Michel Dussuyer’s males at Porto-Novo’s Stade Charles de Gaulle on Saturday and former Bayelsa United and Enugu Rangers right-back, Okonkwo, has praised the standard of the home-based gamers, advising them to show their value when given the possibility.

“The gamers which have been invited from the native league are excellent, I’ve watched them and I do know them,” Okonkwo advised Aim.

“Now it’s time for them to go and present the coach that they’re able to delivering when it issues and show they’re speculated to be within the staff.

“They have to make the most of the chance given to them to be a part of the Tremendous Eagles by studying from the coaches and should additionally work arduous on their very own to enhance themselves. I do know they are going to do nicely if given the possibility.”

Okonkwo, who has 9 caps for the Tremendous Eagles, defended coach Gernot Rohr for inviting solely three home-based gamers to the nationwide staff for the qualifiers.

“There needs to be extra NPFL gamers within the staff, however sadly our league began late not like in Europe the place their leagues have began for a really very long time,” he continued.

“Rohr solely invited three or 4 NPFL gamers however with time he’ll embody extra gamers from the native league.

“With the calibre of gamers which have been invited from the native leagues this time, I do know he’ll change his thoughts and provides extra probabilities to the NPFL stars.”

Okonkwo believed Rohr’s facet will need to have learnt classes from their 4-4 draw towards Sierra Leone in Benin Metropolis in November, the place they squandered a 4-0 lead.

The defender is, due to this fact, assured the Tremendous Eagles will safe all three factors towards the Republic of Benin in Porto-Novo, no matter the challenges they may encounter there.

“The Sierra Leone sport can be a really huge lesson for us after surrendering a 4-0 lead to attract 4-4 in Benin Metropolis and I consider the gamers and coaches can be nicely ready towards Benin Republic,” he added.

“I consider we’ll win in Benin Republic as a result of all our gamers in Europe are on fireplace. Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Osimhen are all doing nicely. I’m relying on that for this sport towards Benin.

“I don’t assume Benin can cease the Tremendous Eagles. The gamers simply want to provide their finest, consider the sport and we’ll win the match no matter the pitch or any challenges they meet in there.”

Victory within the encounter will seal Nigeria’s place on the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon and they’ll then tackle Lesotho of their final qualifying sport on Tuesday.