7 players who may have featured in their last World Cup for Nigeria

- Super Eagles participation at the ongoing 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia is final over after falling 2-1 to Argentina’s Albiceleste

- It was a decent performance by the Gernot Rohr tutored- side against a Lionel Messi-inspired Albiceleste side

- But seven members of the squad that might have played their last match for the Super Eagles at the Mundial

It is no longer news that Nigeria’s Super Eagles participation at the ongoing 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia is final over.

Painful as the 2-1 defeat by Argentina’s Albiceleste on Tuesday night might look; it was a decent performance by the Gernot Rohr tutored- side against a Lionel Messi-inspired Albiceleste side.

However, Legit.ng in this report preview seven members of the 23-man squad that might have played their last match for the Super Eagles by the time hostilities commence at 2022 in United Arab Emirates.

READ ALSO: Gernot Rohr claims his team missed little experience against Argentina

1. Daniel Akpeyi Chippa United South Africa (Age 31)

South Africa based goalkeeper at 31 with 2 caps, seems to have served Nigeria enough going forward.

Having not played a game for the Super Eagles’ the former Warri Wolves shot-stopper at the time of the next tournament should be making plans to quit the game.

However, since goalkeepers usually have longevity in the game, expect the Chippa United shot-stopper to rounding his career at the commencement of the 2022 World Cup.

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2. Elderson Echiéjilé Cercle Brugge Belgium (Age 30)

Elderson Echiéjilé at 30 is not getting younger, and would be 34 at Qatar 2022.

In the qualifying matches for the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia, it was glaring that the Cercle Brugge of Belgium left-back was already at the twilight of his career as he struggled with pace.

During Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing global football fiesta in Russia, Echiéjilé never tasted action despite Nigeria’s 270 minutes of football.

No doubt with 59 caps and 3 goals, the left back look good to have ended his international career following Nigeria’s exit from the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

It will be interesting to see how much the left-back will give when the new club football season in Belgium commences after the Mundial.

3. Leon Balogun Brighton & Hove Albion England (Age 28)

Hove Albion new signing, Leon Balogun will be 32-years old by the time the first ball is kicked at the 2022 edition and might be took old as a centre back.

At the 2018 Fifa World Cup, Balogun fared better, at least injury-wise, but the former Mainz defender equally showed that in four years’ time in Qatar 2022, age will not be on his side.

So far, Balogun has made 22 caps for Nigeria, but scoring no goal.

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4. John Ogu Hapoel Be'er Sheva Israel (Age 30)

Ugochukwu John Ogu remains one of the few players that did not taste action at Russia 2018.

Sadly, at Qatar 2022 in four years’ time, the Israeli-based midfielder would have turned 34 and looks unlikely to be playing at the top level.

Hopefully, the Hapoel Be'er Sheva central midfielder with 19 caps and 2 goals to his name, but could still play a part for Nigeria’s qualification for the next edition of Africa Cup of Nations.

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5. Odion Ighalo Changchun Yatai China (Age 29)

Changchun Yatai forward, Odion Ighalo is currently 29 years and will be marking his 33rd birthday at the start of Qatar 2022 World Cup.

However, it doesn’t look as if the former Watford goals machine will still have the skills and pace to function at the big stage, four years on.

In all, Odion has made 22 appearances as well as netting 4 times for Nigeria so far.

6. John Obi Mikel (Captain) Tianjin TEDA China (Age 31)

Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, who plays as a midfielder for Chinese club Tianjin TEDA will be 35 years at Qatar 2022 and looks likely to have bowed at from international football in four years’ time.

At the last count, the former Chelsea midfielder has 85 caps and 6 goals for Nigeria.

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7. Ikechukwu Ezenwa Enyimba International Nigeria (Age 29)

The former Flying Eagles’ shot-stopper will be 33 in four years’ time.

However, the Enyima shot-stopper does not look good to still be in top shape at Qatar 2022.

On the other hand, Ezenwa look good to continue his international career with Nigeria at least for the next two years.

Already, Ezenwa has made 17 caps but no goal for Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously had reported that Argentina left it late as they booked their place in the round of 16 in Russia 2018 after a 2-1 victory against Nigeria.

Goals from Messi and Rojo secured qualification for Argentina as Victor Moses also scored his first goal in the World Cup for Nigeria.

In the other game, Croatia defeated Iceland 2-1 to finish top of Group D.

Nigeria VS Argentina. World Cup Showdown | Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng