Nigeria may have booked her place in next summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia, now the hard work really starts for all involved to keep their squad places.
So, at ACLSports.com, we take a look at what these Super Eagles players and those with the potential to make the team are up to at their various European clubs.
With Franco-German coach of the team, Gernot Rohr, set to spring up surprises when the releases the list of players for the dead rubber against Algeria in the last game of the World Cup qualifying series, we preview the activities of some of the players this weekend.
England
The English Premier League will kickoff with a lunch time game at Stamford Bridge, where PL defending champions, Chelsea host Watford. However, the Blues will be hoping to ensure they don’t lose for the third consecutive times but without the services of brilliant wingback, Victor Moses.
The Nigerian is nursing a hamstring injury, and also missed their draw with Roma in the UEFA Champions League.
At the Liberty stadium, Swansea City host Nigerian trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa. It has been a difficult season for the Nigerians and their side, as relegation battle looms.
However, someone like Musa, he would be hoping for a change in fortune, as the 2016 champions sacked their manager Craig Shakespeare recently.
Musa has found playing time difficult to come by, but Shakespeare’s sack could open up an opportunity for the former CSKA Moskva forward to revive his career at club.
Elsewhere in England, Nigeria’s hero against Zambia, Alex Iwobi, will be aiming to start for Arsenal when they travel to take on out of sorts Everton at the Goodison Park.
Iwobi missed the Europa League win against Red Star Belgrade, but has been a constant feature for the Gunners in the PL.
In the Championship, defender, Ola Aina, who made his international debut for Nigeria against Zambia, will be away with his Hull City side at Barnsley, as they aim to continue their revival.
France
In the French Ligue 1, Porto’s on loan young Center back, Chidozie Awaziem, and Nantes will put their unbeaten run on the line when they host Guingamp.
Awaziem has been impressive for Claudio Raneiri side, and will be hoping to continue when his side, unbeaten in their last season games, attempt to return to winning ways after Bordeaux halted their march last weekend.
Turkey
In the Super Lig, William Troost-Ekong and compatriot, defensive midfielder, Mikel Agu, will be the away side this weekend when their club, Bursaspor FC visit Sivasspor, where left back, Elderson Echiejile, plays on Sunday.
However, while the Bursaspor’s duo are sure of playing, same can’t be said of Elderson, who is currently nursing an injury, while Ogenyi Onazi’s Trabzonspor FC are also away, at Yeni Malatyaspor.
Belgium
In the Jupiler league, Simon Moses’ KAA Gent are away at KV Kortrijk, but Simon isn’t the only Nigerian at the club, as an unknown 19-year-old, Samuel Kalu, is also making waves at the club. Defensive midfielder, Anderson Esiti, who has been an ever present in midfield for Gent, is another Nigerian at the club.
Elsewhere, league leaders, Club Brugge, also have a Nigerian, Emmanuel Bonaventure, who is also setting the Beligian league on fire. Brugge host Royal Antwerp, while Henry Onyekuru’s Anderlecht host KRC Genk, with Onyekuru hoping to add to his six goals so far.
Holland
In the Eredivisie, Tyronne Ebuehi, who is yet to be capped by Nigeria in any competitive game, is at VV Venlo with his club side, ADO Den Haag, while Belgian born Nigerian, Cyriel Dessers will be hoping to add to his four goals this season when FC Utrecht travel to take on AZ.
Cyprus
In the Cypriot league, reliable Super Eagles right back, Shehu Abdullai will be missing in action this weekend as he has been banned for two matches following his red card last weekend against Apollon Limassol.
The talented fullback is also in danger of a fine, but has to wait until Wednesday to find out. So, he will miss the away game between his table topping side, and Ethnikos Achna.
Israel
And finally, in the Israeli league, John Ogu and Anthony Nwakaeme will have to wait until Monday for the big game between their club, Hapoel Beer-Sheva host Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Both players will be hooubg to impress Super Eagles manager, Rohr, with the hope of starting the game against Algeria, especially Ogu, who has been overlooked in the starting team for a while.
