The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Sao Tome and Principe in their final match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers on Sunday, September 10, 2023. There are new faces in the Super Eagles squad who will be hoping to make an impression.
Although the Super Eagles had already qualified for the competition that takes place in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024, coach Jose Peseiro has still invited his finest players.
The current squad boasts one of the best attacks on the continent at the moment.
With Victor Boniface and Gift Orban’s additions, the Super Eagles attack is looking more effective. Both Boniface and Orban are having wonderful performances in Europe this season.
Victor Boniface moved from Royale Union Saint-Gilles to Bayer Leverkusen this summer for about €20 million. The 22-year-old has scored four goals and made two assists in three games for his new club.
On the other hand, Gift Orban is another force to be reckoned with, as the 21-year-old, who moved from Staebek to Gent in January, has his name on everyone’s lips after he amassed 20 goals and two assists. With six goals in nine games this season, Orban has carried on in the same spirit. The young player has a great chance to display his talent on a national scale.
The Super Eagles have a strong offence, but there is need for competition in other areas.
Another new addition to the team is Bruno Onyemaechi. The Boavista defender has a chance to win his place in the defence department as Sanusi and Collins, the two players who have filled the left-back role, are in doubt due to fitness issues.
There is also Jordan Tourinarigha, who can pair with vice captain Troost Ekong in the centre back position.
Given that Tourinarigha recently switched allegiances after previously representing Germany at the youth level, his invitation has already been questioned.
But it only happens after years of trying to persuade him to play for Nigeria. This has given rise to claims that he only changed teams because he would have little chance playing for Germany’s national side.
It is difficult to criticise the supporters, but Tourinarigha may gain support with a strong showing on Sunday.
The midfield is also a position to be explored. Raphael Onyedika is another talent to look out for in the game on Sunday. The Club Brugge midfielder who earned his Nigeria debut against Algeria last year, but wasn’t quite impressive in that encounter, will be looking to have another opportunity on Sunday when Nigeria plays the worst team in its group.