Afrigather Because the Tremendous Eagles gear up for his or her AFCON 2023 opener towards Equatorial Guinea, the chances that when closely favoured Nigeria now appear to hold within the steadiness.
The Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan would be the battleground for this important encounter on Sunday, January 14, as three-time champions Nigeria face a nation making their fourth AFCON look.
Regardless of Nigeria’s illustrious historical past within the match, current occasions have thrown challenges their manner.
Accidents to key gamers and late withdrawals have disrupted their preparations, leveling the taking part in discipline towards Equatorial Guinea.
The previous champions, led by coach Jose Peseiro, are actually tasked with navigating a difficult opening match to safe three essential factors.
Goalkeeper
Francis Uzoho has been Peseiro’s number-one goalkeeper because the Portuguese tactician was appointed Nigeria’s head coach, and that won’t change on the AFCON.
Stanley Nwabili didn’t significantly cowl himself in glory when he conceded twice within the pleasant loss to Guinea final week.
Enyimba’s Olorunleke Ojo stays and not using a cap but for the Tremendous Eagles, and it’s unlikely he’ll earn it in a match as essential as this.
Defence
Within the coronary heart of the defence, Peseiro faces choices on the central pairing.
The mix of Semi Ajayi and William Troost-Ekong, in addition to Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, has been tried. Nevertheless, the Tremendous Eagles have conceded 21 objectives in 15 video games beneath Peseiro’s watch.
Troost-Ekong brings expertise together with his third AFCON look, whereas Ajayi’s power, peak, and confidence swimsuit the calls for of African soccer.
Bassey, although, continues to be studying the ropes of being a central defender.
The Fulham defender stays Nigeria’s finest left-back, however he has Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi to deal with in that function.
On the correct flank, the battle is between Osayi-Samuel and Ola Aina, with Awaziem offering a much less adventurous choice.
Midfield
The absence of Ndidi poses a problem for Nigeria’s midfield.
Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, an enforcer, could fill the void, whereas Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf current totally different ability units.
Peseiro would possibly go for a midfield pivot with two of those three for solidity.
Within the inventive hub, Iwobi takes the lead, and the previous Everton man will be saddled with the additional accountability of drifting to the wings when wanted.
Nantes winger Moses Simon, Nigeria’s number-one standout participant within the 2021 AFCON, is ready to proceed his impactful function on the left wing.
Assault
Nigeria’s assault, normally a power to be reckoned with, is within the midst of a horrible disaster.
With accidents ruling out Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Umar Sadiq, solely Osimhen stands because the match center-forward.
Lookman, versatile and efficient at Atalanta, may play a assist function.
Ahmed Musa and Samuel Chukwueze are poised to make an impression off the bench.
That is the primary encounter between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea on the AFCON. On the identical time, the Tremendous Eagles maintain a beneficial report in different competitions, with two wins out of two.
Potential Nigeria XI: Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Onyeka, Alhassan, Iwobi, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen (4-4-2)
How do you suppose Nigeria ought to line up towards Equatorial Guinea? Tell us your ideas, predictions, and groups within the feedback beneath!
