The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to begin their hunt for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco with a high-stakes opener against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria head into Tuesday’s clash as strong favourites to secure all three points against a Tanzania side that are yet to record a single win at the AFCON finals despite previously participating in three past editions of the tournament.
The Super Eagles also have a clear advantage in terms of man for man quality and in this piece, we’ll be taking a look at five important players, who could make the difference for Nigeria on Tuesday.
5. Stanley Nwabali: GK
Nwabali was one of the stars of Nigeria’s charge to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final and the Chippa United shot-stopper will certainly have a huge role to play as the Super Eagles look to start this campaign on a winning note.
While some of his recent performances have raised eyebrows, there’s no denying that he remains Nigeria’s most reliable option in goal. His presence in this game should provide some level of assurance for the Super Eagles’ unpredictable backline.
4. Alex Iwobi: MF
Since Eric Chelle’s appointment as Super Eagles head coach, Iwobi has assumed the role of a deep-lying playmaker in the Franco-Malian’s tactical setup.
Hence, the Fulham star will be key to helping Nigeria break down the Tanzanians in crucial moments of the game. As the team’s creative engine, his performance on Tuesday could have significant ramifications for the Super Eagles.
3. Samuel Chukwueze: FW
Another Fulham star on this list, Chukwueze arrives at this year’s edition of the AFCON as one of the most in-form attackers on the continent, having produced five goal contributions in his last five outings with the Cottagers.
If his current form carries on into the tournament, Chukwueze could well be unplayable against Tanzania on Tuesday. The big question at the moment is whether former Villarreal will get Chelle’s nod in the starting XI or start from the bench.
2. Ademola Lookman: FW
While the former African Player of the Year award winner is currently nowhere near his best goal-scoring form, he has managed to remain a key player for his club Atalanta, as well as the Super Eagles.
The AFCON might just be what Lookman needs to rediscover that mesmerizing form that made him one of Europe’s hottest players some months ago. Heading into the game against Tanzania, he’ll be relishing the chance to cause plenty of damage.
1. Victor Osimhen: FW
Will this list even be valid without Nigeria’s very own talismanic striker? Osimhen has firmly established himself as the Super Eagles’ go-to man in front of goal with eight in his last seven appearances.
With three goals in his last three Super Lig appearances for Galatasaray before heading for the AFCON, the masked hitman also arrives at the tournament in a decent vein of form. In Tuesday’s clash, the Tanzanian defence will definitely have their hands full trying to contain him.
