…makes case for Nwakali, Aina
Former Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Clemens Westerhof, has called on the current national team coaching crew led by German tactician, Coach Gernot Rohr, to include more young players like Kelechi Nwakali, Ola Aina and others in the Super Eagles squad that will represent the West African nation at Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.
The former Nigeria manager who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 as well as qualify Nigeria for her first FIFA World Cup finals in USA where the Super Eagles reached the second round, said in an exclusive interview that there is need for a balance of youth and experience in the current Eagles’ squad.
He affirmed that the Super Eagles have quality players like Victor Moses, Mikel Obi and other big names in the squad that can help them excel in Russia, but quickly stressed that having experienced players in the squad is not enough. Westerhof said there was an urgent need for a blend of experience with youthfulness which will help Eagles go far when hostilities commence at the Mundial.
Speaking further on Super Eagles chances of surpassing its second round finish at USA’94 and possibly going far in the tourney, Westerhof said the quarter final stage is the least he expects the Super Eagles to reach at Russia 2018.
“Nigeria have good players. Many of them are playing good football in Europe, so the Super Eagles should do well at the World Cup,” Westerhof began.
“John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo, good players!
“But, yes, young players like Kelechi Nwakali who plays here in Holland; that boy in Hull City, Ola Aina, plenty of them can go to the World Cup”.
A pip into Nwakali’s fast rising career shows that he’s one of the few youngsters that have the capacity to break into the Super Eagles squad soon.
Born June 5, 1998, Nwakali plays professional football with Dutch side VVV-Venlo and the striker is on loan from Premier League side Arsenal.
He started his career at the Diamond Football Academy and after his performances at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, in which he won the Golden Ball Award, he signed with English Premier League side Arsenal.
On September 16, 2016 it was announced that Nwakali had signed for Eerste Divisie side MVV Maastricht on loan for the season and made his professional debut for the side the same day against Jong Ajax. He came on as a 92nd-minute substitute for Thomas Verheijdt as MVV won 1–0.
On August 29, 2017, Nwakali joined the Dutch side VVV-Venlo on loan for the 2017–18 Eredivisie season and on September 10, 2017 , he scored on his Eredivisie debut against FC Groningen, with a stoppage time equaliser in a 1-1 draw.
At the international level, Nwakali was named to the provisional squad for the Nigeria U-17 side before the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, but did not make the final squad. However, coming into the 2015 U-17 World Cup he was named captain as he led the Golden Eaglets to the title, winning the Golden Ball Award along the way.
Speaking further on the chances of the Super Eagles emerging from a group that parades mighty Argentina,
Croatia and Iceland at the forthcoming Russia 2018, Westerhof said there is no cause for alarm.
“Argentina is no problem. Super Eagles should prepare very well and get their tactics well, it’s okay.
“You have good players, good team but Nigeria must get to quarter or semi finals.”
