HP Terbaru 2023 – Nigeria out to redeem themselves at the Africa Cup of Nations

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By Ross Kilvington

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A limp group stage exit in 2018 was their last showing at the World Cup, failing to qualify for back-to-back editions for the first time.

This came despite an increase to 48 participants for the 2026 World Cup and beyond.

Nigeria’s loss to DR Congo on penalties in the final of the CAF playoffs meant they won’t be making a return to North America, the site of their first World Cup 32 years ago.

The Super Eagles will be hoping to redeem themselves with a solid showing at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they bid to win a fourth continental crown.

Nigeria’s last title at this event came back in 2013, while they finished runner-up to the Ivory Coast last time out.

Will a deep run at AFCON be enough to make up for yet another World Cup failure? Only time will tell.

Nigeria have an opportunity to go one better than 2024

There is no doubt missing out on the trophy last time will still be stinging the Nigerians. Taking on an Ivory Coast side who, despite sacking their manager in the group stage, reached the final thanks to an extraordinary run of results.

Nigeria were leading 1-0 heading into the final 30 minutes, before goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller saw the match turn on its head.

Placed in a group containing Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania this time around, the Nigerians will be confident of reaching the knockout stages in Morocco with plenty to spare in the tank.

Should they win their group, a clash against the third place team from groups A/B/F awaits and this would see the nation in the bottom half of the knockout draw.

Finishing runner-up would see a clash against the nation finishing second in Group A. with host nation Morocco overwhelming favourites to win that group, that could mean a clash against either Mali, Zambia or Comoros.

Of course, AFCON always brings a few shocks to the table, but reaching the quarter-finals appears to be relatively straightforward task for the Super Eagles.

The question is, can a strong squad power them through the final three games in North Africa?

A midfield mixed with youth and experience

Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka of Brentford have won 128 caps between them and will be the cornerstones of a Nigerian midfield which blends experience with youth.

21-year-old attacking midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro may have just a solitary cap to his name, but the youngster ranks in the top 5% among his peers in Serie A for successful dribbles (16) and in the top 7% for recoveries (67), suggesting he could offer plenty in the final third.

Wilfred Ndidi was announced as the new Super Eagles captain a few days ago and the former Leicester City midfielder could be the fulcrum for Eric Chelle‘s side in Morocco.

The 29-year-old has been excellent from a defensive point of view for Beşiktaş this season. Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the Turkish SüperLig, Ndidi ranks in the top 10% for interceptions, recoveries, duels won and tackles this season.

As such, he comes into AFCON with the responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders in leading this Nigeria squad to the latter stages of the tournament.

Given his superb form, however, his presence at the heart of the midfield will be a boost to those around him.

His ball winning abilities and tenacious nature will be a major benefit to those playing in front of him, especially considering the strength in depth of Nigeria’s attack heading to North Africa.

Victor Osimhen leads the charge for Nigeria

The Galatasaray frontman will be tasked with firing his nation to glory over the next few weeks. A move to Türkiye was a strange one, especially when the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea were sniffing around, but Osimhen has scored 49 goals in just 57 matches for the club since the summer of 2024.

Add in 31 goals across 47 national team appearances and it is evident just how dangerous the 26-year-old is.

This season, he has registered 2.2 shots on target per game while scoring 12 goals in 16 matches. Six of those have come in the Champions League.

Chelle isn’t stopping there. Also in the squad are Ademola Lookman, Cyriel Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Salim Fago Lawal and Paul Onuachu making up the nine-strong attacking contingent.

While Osimhen is the undoubted star, the other eight forwards have scored 35 international goals between them and will all be able to chip in if called upon by the manager.

The only concern is whether Chelle has gone too top heavy having named nine attackers. There is no doubt Nigeria will score goals, but they might be susceptible at the other end of the pitch.

Nevertheless, the Super Eagles head into AFCON among the favourites to contend for the trophy.

Failure to reach the World Cup certainly hasn’t been forgotten, but by claiming another continental title, Nigeria may just get the nation cheering again.

With a squad brimming full of talent, don’t be surprised to see the country holding the trophy aloft in January.

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(Cover image from IMAGO)

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