The use of full backs have become an integral part of the modern way of playing football, they complement attack in a very important manner and also carry out their defensive duties to a great effect. The Nigeria National Team under the tutelage of German tactician, Gernot Rohr have being in dire need of such full backs.
The right back position in the National team set up have being one that have had a series of problems and needs fixing if Nigeria need to go forward.
Former Bordeaux Defender, Rohr now coach of the Super Eagles, led Nigeria to the African Cup of Nations after beating Tunisia 1-0 in Egypt in the third place match.
Nigeria International, Ola Aina, who plies his trade with Italian side Torino was outstanding in the game but the Ex-Chelsea youth teamer have shown on countless occasions that he is more suited to the Left back or Left wingback role more than any other position.
Rohr during the 2018 World Cup played Tyronne Ebuehi as a Right wing back against Iceland though Moses was later cajoled to play the position against Argentina.
The Player’s injury since joining Benfica have left Rohr a bit clueless on what to do as regard the best berth for the right back spot.
Rohr have played Shehu Abdullahi a Conventional defensive midfielder by trade in the same position with the Player putting up strong performances at some point and disappointing on several occasions.
Shehu have continually played as a defensive midfielder for Bursaspor and not as a right back thereby raising concerns over the use of the player as a right back for the National Team by Rohr.
Chidozie Awaziem who is on loan from Porto at Leganes was used predominantly as a right back during the Nations Cup but we all know that Awaziem does not possess the pace to excel as a conventional full back and is more suited to a Central defensive role.
Having analysed all options utilized by Rohr as full backs and not finding a genuine candidate for the long run. Here is one that most Nigerians are familiar with but have long forgotten about his existence.
Musa Muhammad
Musa Muhammad made his break through in football after representing Nigeria at U-17 level alongside the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho Isaac Success and Taiwo Awoniyi (who have all gone to become household names around Europe), where they won the tournament in 2013.
Musa Muhammad was the captain of the side and put up Trent Alexander Arnold type of display with a lot of forays and charge down the right hand side.
Aside carrying out his Defensive duties properly, the young man also chipped in with a couple of goals from set pieces just as the Liverpool right back does for his Club, the highlights of his breakthrough being his beautiful and well taken free kick against Mexico in the final.
Musa Muhammad now plays for HNK Gorica as a right back and have being a constant fixture in their starting eleven, chipping in with goals and assists to help his side remain in the top half of the table.
He was on the books of newly crowned Turkish League Champions, Istanbul Basaksehir before he was loaned on a couple of occasions and now is enjoying his time with HNK Gorica in Croatia.
It will be seen if Gernot Rohr extends a call to the player as the Qualification games for the AFCON are set to resume anytime soon.
Do you think Musa Muhammad deserves to be in this star studded Super Eagles squad?
Let’s hear your opinion below in the Comment section.
Have a great day ahead, Sportmata.
