The Tremendous Eagles are blessed with an array of attacking skills that make even Brazil resentful, however the defence has been the workforce’s Achilles’ heel, Soccernet.ng notes.
The numbers paint a grim image — 5 objectives conceded in simply 4 World Cup qualifying video games, not a single clear sheet, and a defensive unit that appears more and more fragile towards even modest opposition.
If these struggles proceed, a spot on the 2026 FIFA World Cup will stay a distant dream.
New head coach Eric Chelle has acknowledged the necessity for defensive reinforcements, calling up Jordan Torunarigha (one Tremendous Eagles cap) and Igoh Ogbu (debut call-up) for Nigeria’s essential video games towards Rwanda and Zimbabwe. However the actuality is, Nigeria want extra than simply squad depth — the Tremendous Eagles want a real defensive chief.
Enter Felix Uduokhai.
The Beşiktaş centre-back is a high-level defender with the technical potential and expertise to rework Nigeria’s backline.
But, regardless of his constant kind, Germany have continued to miss him.
Following one other snub from Germany’s newest squad, the query have to be requested — is it lastly time for Uduokhai to embrace his Nigerian heritage and assist lead the Tremendous Eagles again to the World Cup?
Felix Uduokhai on Germany & Nigeria:
“I used to be upset I didn’t get referred to as up. It’s my dream to play for Germany however that isn’t sure for now.
”Earlier than World Cup,Nigeria approached me,however I don’t know in the event that they nonetheless need me as a result of they haven’t been in contact since final time.” pic.twitter.com/0kJvA2eWRE
— FAST TRACK (@FastTrackNaija) October 25, 2019
Felix Uduokhai: Germany dream over; Nigeria, the long run
Felix Uduokhai was as soon as a rising star in German soccer, incomes call-ups for his or her U19, U20, and U21 groups. In 2020, he even made Germany’s senior squad, although he by no means received a cap. He was a part of their Olympic workforce that 12 months, scoring a vital objective towards Saudi Arabia.
However since then, his Germany ambitions have stalled. He has by no means been handed a aggressive worldwide cap, and at 27, he’s not within the plans of Julian Nagelsmann or the German FA.
Regardless of robust performances for Augsburg and now Beşiktaş, Germany has continued to disregard him — this month’s worldwide break being the newest snub.
Thanks, Felix
Felix Uduokhai is becoming a member of Besiktas JK Istanbul on an instantaneous switch.
Wishing you and your loved ones nothing however the very best ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nJ4zWQUS74
— FC Augsburg (@FCA_World) August 27, 2024
Germany’s centre-back choices are already stacked, with Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, and Nico Schlotterbeck main the best way. Younger stars like Malick Thiaw and Waldemar Anton are additionally forward of Uduokhai within the pecking order. At this level, ready for Germany is a dead-end.
Nigeria, alternatively, presents a golden alternative.
Not like Germany, Nigeria is crying out for a commanding centre-back like Uduokhai. The Tremendous Eagles’ defensive issues have been laid naked in current months, and whereas the likes of William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey present some stability, the centre of defence stays a obtrusive weak point.
If Uduokhai, who admires former teammate Victor Osimhen and prefers Jollof rice, switches allegiance now, he might stroll straight into the Tremendous Eagles’ beginning XI.
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers heating up, Nigeria want defenders who can slot in instantly and make a distinction. Uduokhai suits the invoice completely.
A transfer to Nigeria wouldn’t simply give him worldwide soccer but in addition the chance to turn out to be a defensive chief for a workforce aiming to make a deep World Cup run.
With Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo, and Leon Balogun all getting into the twilight of their careers, Nigeria want a brand new technology of defenders. Uduokhai might be the skilled pillar round which Chelle builds his backline.
World Cup ambitions: An opportunity Felix Uduokhai can’t afford to overlook
For any participant, the chance to play at a World Cup is a career-defining second.
If Uduokhai switches allegiance to Nigeria now, he might be an integral a part of the squad on the 2026 match within the USA, Canada, and Mexico – ought to he assist the Tremendous Eagles qualify.
Germany is unlikely to supply him that likelihood. Even when he had been to miraculously break into the German setup, he could be a backup possibility at greatest. With Nigeria, he could be a starter, a key man, and a possible hero.
The Tremendous Eagles’ attacking high quality — led by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze — signifies that if the defence is solidified, Nigeria might be a critical pressure on the World Cup. However with out defensive reinforcements, qualifying stays unsure.
Uduokhai has the possibility to be a part of one thing particular. He might be the chief of a defensive resurgence that helps Nigeria return to the worldwide stage.
Soccernet.ng’s verdict: The time is now!
Felix Uduokhai has a call to make.
The dream of enjoying for Germany is fading, whereas Nigeria is asking with open arms. He’s precisely the sort of participant the Tremendous Eagles want, and along with his prime years forward, that is the proper time to make the swap.
If Uduokhai desires to play at a World Cup, be a nationwide workforce chief, and write his title in historical past, then the selection is straightforward—it’s time to dump Germany and gas Nigeria’s World Cup desires.