Football
Colin Udoh, Special to ESPN 5y

Success, Simon have the quality to revitalise Nigeria's attack

Gernot Rohr's preference from the get-go with Nigeria has been to employ one lead striker flanked by two quick, wide forwards, supported by roving full-backs who can cross effectively.

His selections have mirrored that philosophy, especially in that striker role, where the likes of Brown Ideye, Kelechi Iheanacho and Odion Ighalo have all led the line at various times.

Victor Osimhen has been on standby of sorts to slot in, but his lack of game time at Wolfsburg has hampered his chances.

Since his recall and goal against Cameroon, Ighalo has been the default go-to line-leader, and he remains so, despite an underwhelming goal return.

However, fans were less than completely convinced by his abilities during the World Cup, and even Rohr himself admitted as much when he conceded that his call-up against Seychelles was to allow the China-based striker the opportunity to prove that the still had goals in him.

That faith was rewarded when Ighalo netted in a 3-0 win against the Seychelles, but fans remain unconvinced. So, it seems, does Rohr, at least if his decision to call up Isaac Success is anything to go by.

Rohr has long coveted the Watford striker; his abilities are not in doubt.

As a matter of fact, he ticks almost every box in the German's checklist, even if two previous invitations have come to nought.

The forward turned up on time on this occasion, an indication perhaps that the worst of his indisciplined days may perhaps be behind him.

However, of more immediate important concern to Nigeria fans will be how Success translates that to the pitch, and what that does to the current attacking dynamic.

With Ighalo on fire in China after hitting the 20-goal mark, it is hard to see him anywhere else but the starting line-up, irrespective of what the fans may think.

However, if and when Success does come on, his performance should be of massive interest...and perhaps consequence.

Speed and bruising strength will be vital against a Libya side expected to hunker down and fight for a point, like they did against Bafana Bafana. Success' skillset is well suited to that contest, and if he does his job, as he has done with Watford so far, his age means he may just be position himself as the long-term option.

Supporting the forward on the flank will be the wide forwards.

Prior to the World Cup, Moses Simon, a Rohr favourite, was a lock for the right wide forward position, until injury struck.

Since then, Ahmed Musa has won back his place as a starter, and Alex Iwobi is enjoying a fizzing new lease of life at Arsenal.

While Victor Moses's retirement has left something of hole, Samuel Kalu has emerged as a teasing prospect, while Henry Onyekuru can also play centrally or wide.

With such a deep depth chart, Simon's return leaves Rohr with a selection headache, albeit a positive one.

Musa, Iwobi and Kalu are all in form, while Onyekuru started life on loan at Galatasaray strongly.

The Bordeaux wideman acquitted himself admirably in the victory over the Seychelles, as he made his first start, although it wouldn't be a major surprised if any of his aforementioned rivals took his spot against Libya.

Iwobi's recent rejuvenation puts the Arsenal man in line for a start on that wide position, although he could also replace Kelechi Iheanacho as the team's No. 10.

There are many coaches who would love to be in Rohr's position, but it's now up to him to make the best decisions for his side.

^ Back to Top ^