The recent report by OGN editor in chief focused on the issues around the defence of the senior national team of Nigeria with all but one of the senior players of the team getting regular run of games in Europe.
Today we take a look at five Nigerian defenders who are doing really well for Nigeria in top leagues around Europe and eligible to play for the senior national team of Nigeria. However they appear not to be in the plans of the handlers of the team.
Aji Alese (Sunderland) – Real name Ajibola Joshua Odunayo Afolarin Alese, the 22 year old has emerged as one of the best players of Sunderland as they continue their hunt for a spot in the English Premier League playoff. So far he has shown he is very comfortable at left back or at the heart of the defence.
An English youth international at several levels but his last call up came in 2020 making him a player that Nigeria can easily approach to commit his future to the Super Eagles. The former West Ham trainee has played a total of 19 games this season and it could have been more if not for injuries and fitness issues .
Emmanuel Aiwu ( Cremonense) – Signed from Austrian side Rapid Vienna, the 22 year old played in 22 Italian Serie A games this season. A huge number of game when you consider where he is coming from. An Austrian youth international he is yet to be capped at senior level and as at 2019 he was approached by then Nigeria U20 coach Paul Aigbogun. Maybe the time to revisit him on the same issue of commiting to Nigeria is now.
Moritz Jenz (Schalke 04) – The on loan Lorient defender doesn’t come across like someone with a Nigerian connection when you judge with his name. He however confessed that he has Nigerian roots even though he carries a German passport. Although he said he is focused on representing Germany he still left the door open on representing Nigeria.
Since moving to Schalke 04 from Celtic in January his second consecutive loan spell this season. The 23 year old has looked tha part. Comfortable as a centre back or right back. Schalke are yet to lose in the five games he has played for them. The loan deal has an obligation to buy effectively making him a player of the team by the end of the season. At national level, he hasn’t been capped by Germany at any level making him available for an immediate invitation.
Shawn Adewoye ( Waalwijk) – Born in Belgium to a father of Nigerian descent. The 22 year old has earned rave reviews for his performances in the Dutch Eredivisie. This season he has played in all 23 games this season and picked up two man of the match awards. He also has a goal to his name.
Although he has represented Belgium from U15 to U19, the last of which came in 2018. He appears to be someone who will jump at the chance of playing for Nigeria.
Jonas David – Self confessed Super Eagles wannabe. The Hamburg defender was on the radar ahead of a potential call up to the senior national team of Nigeria under former coach Gernot Rohr. Unlike the aforementioned quartet, he appears to be one who has been contacted but a decision on his inclusion in the team is yet to be made.
His performances for promotion chasing Hamburg should no doubt accelerate a call up especially with the issues around the defence of Nigeria.
Mohammed Mowiz