The newly assembled Super Eagles players is perhaps one squad that is most unpredictable at AFCON 2013. Not even the passionate Nigeria fans could tell what to expect from the boys. And Stephen Keshi, the team's coach, could only say the team will surprise Africa and the rest of the world - making it sound more enigmatic.
Apart from six experienced players - Joseph Yobo, Mikel Obi, Ikechukwu Uche, Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and Elderson Echejie, who were at the previous AFCON 2010 and had played some big games for the Super Eagles, the rest are relatively new.
Ten rookies from different clubs in Europe and Asia - Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashod fc, Isreal); Efe Ambrose (Celitic FC, Scotland); Kenneth Omerue(Ado Den Haag, Netherlands); Nosa Igebor(Real Betis, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi(SS Lazio, Italy); Obiora Nwankwo(Calicio Padova, Italy); Fegor Ogude(Valerenga FC, Norway); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiv, Ukrain) and Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia).
Then, six home based players - Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine stars); Reuben Gabriel ( Kano Pillars) and Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers).
Well, the squad build up games were not convincing and was seen with mix feelings. Their game with Catalonia selected team was impressive and brought some hope to the fans. But few weeks after, the squad had a lack luster performance with Cape Verde, that put everyone in dilemma.
On a good day, the combination of Ikechukwu Uche, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye can score as many goals. We saw how they wrecked the Liberian lone stars in Calabar.
Mikel Obi is expected to carry the team on his shoulder as a play maker, but Ogenyi Onazi has shown that he has the ability to run down any opponent defense line with his creative passes and diagonal runs. Then, Obiora Nwankwo and home boy, Reuben Gabriel, could always add the extra impetus to help take over the midfield from any opposing team.
Perhaps, the grey area could be how Keshi may combine players at the defense. may be, Efe Ambrose at the right back, Elderson Echejie at the left back; perhaps Joseph Yobo and Kenneth Omeruo at Central defense position.
You can be rest assured Keshi knows what to do. He was a defender with extra-ordinary repute during his playing days. He has a wealth of experience on how to organize the defense line of a team.
One thing going for the squad is Keshi have been able to assemble a very disciplined side that is hungry for glory. But wait a minute, I don't expect you to have that high expectations for the squad, they are yet to blend as a team. AFCON may just provide them the opportunity to progress into a team. If they win, we'll all rejoice with them, but just know that this is a team for the future.