Nigeria predicted lineup for AFCON 2023 (Africa Cup of Nations)

Published at :January 10, 2024 at 5:48 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 11:38 AM

The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is set to kick off in a few days in Côte d’Ivoire.

Nigeria are one of the more successful participants at AFCON throughout history, having reached the final seven times and medalled on 15 occasions. Despite that, there is still a sense of underachievement because of having only won thrice. In their last outing in 2021, they were one of the stronger performers in the Group Stage dominating and beating eventual runners-up Egypt, but crumbled in the face of stern opposition in the Round of 16.

The Super Eagles boast a lot of quality, especially in the attack, with players spread across the European top leagues. Jose Peseiro’s men will be ready to give their all to win this prestigious tournament. On that note, here is a look at Nigeria predicted lineup for AFCON 2023 (Africa Cup of Nations):

Formation: 4-4-2

GK – Francis Uzoho

Uzoho represented Nigeria under-17s as a 14-year-old at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. He never played but was an immediate backup to starting goalkeeper Dele Alampasu as the Golden Eaglets won the tournament. In October 2017 Uzoho received his first call-up to the Nigerian senior squad and made his full international debut on November 14, replacing Daniel Akpeyi in a 4–2 friendly win against Argentina.

He was named in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and was the Super Eagle’s first-choice goalkeeper, playing all three games against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina as Nigeria crashed out in the group stages. He also played in 2019 and 2021 AFCON.

RB – Bright Osayi-Samuel

Strong, quick, and athletic, Osayi-Samuel looks like the modern-day full-back/wing-back. Playing in a position that has been occupied by the likes of Abdullahi Shehu, Ola Aina, Tyrone Ebuehi, and Kevin Akpoguma in international friendlies and competitive games, he seemed to offer something completely different on the ball, something that Nigeria had been lacking for quite a few years. There is no doubt that Osayi-Samuel possesses the kind of talent that interests the lovers of the game.

CB – William Troost-Ekong

Despite representing the Netherlands at under-19 and under-20 youth levels, Troost-Ekong eventually chose to represent Nigeria. He made his senior international debut for the Super Eagles on 13 June 2015, playing 90 minutes in an AFCON qualifying match. In June 2018 he was named in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Till now he made 64 appearances for the Nigeria national team and is a key player for his side.

CB – Semi Ajayi

Ajayi received his first call-up to the senior team in August 2018 for the 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers. He made his debut against Seychelles in the 2019 Nation cup qualifiers, coming on for the injured Chidozie Awaziem in the 73rd minute. He is a physically robust and strong centre-back and will play an important role in the defence of the Super Eagles.

LB – Calvin Bassey

Calvin Bassey Nigeria — **Calvin Bassey can feature both as a cb and at lb**

On the ball, Calvin Bassey is not a very adventurous passer. When he receives the ball in the build-up, he often takes a few touches forward assessing his options. He sometimes tries to play a long pass towards the attackers, but also turns back to the goalkeeper and plays a backwards pass. His short passing technique is also good and is capable of playing one-touch passes with both his right and left foot.

Calvin Bassey is composed on the ball but far from a good ball progressor. He occasionally makes some mistakes on the ball but has the potential to grow into this role, as he has good technique and vision. He has the tendency to often play on the opposition’s half and likes to contest duels in that area. He can be one of the best left-backs in the whole tournament.

CM – Joe Aribo

Joe Aribo is a versatile player who can fit in numerous positions in the midfield. He is a regular for the Super Eagles and plays in a midfield two alongside Wilfred Ndidi, who is the holding midfielder of the two. Aribo is a left-footed midfielder who likes to dribble and often looks for forward progressive passes to the attackers. He likes to play short and neat passes, he keeps things simple, does not attempt many fancy long balls, and hardly turns possession over.

CM – Alex Iwobi

Iwobi started as a youth international for England, Iwobi earned 11 caps for England at underage level but went on to declare for Nigeria in 2015. In October 2017, Iwobi scored for Nigeria in a 1–0 win over Zambia to secure the Super Eagles a spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Till now he made 66 appearances for the national team.

RM – Samuel Chukwueze

Victor Osimhen Samuel.Chukwueze U17 AFCON — **Samuel Chukwueze has made 30 appearances for the national team**

Blessed with explosive pace, a wicked left foot and uncommon trickery, the 24-year-old has got the raw materials of a modern-day winger. His pace and acceleration allow him to get past opposition defences in a swift manner similar to bikes on an expressway. On his day, he could be as slippery as butter, sitting defenders down as he cuts in to shoot on his stronger left foot.

He made his debut for the Nigerian senior team on 20 November 2018 as a starter in a 0–0 friendly draw against Uganda. He made 30 appearances for the national team now and will play a very important role in his team’s success in the tournament.

LM – Moses Simon

The strengths of his gameplay are his boisterous pace, trickery and skills on the ball, which he utilizes in dribbling and going past the opposition fullback, as well as giving key passes for the attackers in his team and thus racking up shot-creating actions and goal-creating actions. Those three qualities are essential qualities for any quality winger.

Moses Simon is right-footed, and like most modern-day wingers, he plays more often from the left side as an inverted winger where he has the option of creating danger on either side; he can cut in onto his right foot to create chances or take long-range shots with his left foot.

CF – Kelechi Iheanacho

A creative player and talented prolific goal scorer, he has been praised for his vision and goal-poaching prowess. Although he mainly plays as a striker but is a versatile player who can be deployed to various positions in the final third. Iheanacho made his senior debut as a substitute in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Eswatini in which Nigeria drew 0–0. In the absence of Boniface he will play a key role along side Victor Osimhen.

CF – Victor Osimhen

Osimhen currently is regarded as one of the best centre-forwards in European football. He is known for his presence, athleticism, strength, directness, and runs into space. His outstanding performance in the 2022-2023 season was significant in Napoli’s title triumph, their first Scudetto in 33 years. Oshimen has replicated the form in the Nigerian national team, and he will be expected to perform well in the tournament as well.

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