Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The Super Eagles of Nigeria lock horns with Ivory Coast in their second group game at the AFCON 2023.
Nigeria disappointingly drew 1-1 against minnows Equatorial Guinea in their first match on Sunday. Jose Peseiro’s men will be seeking redemption against the hosts later today but it promises to be a tough test.
The Elephants, meanwhile comfortably defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament.
ALSO READ: Top 10 players to watch at AFCON 2023
Al Nassr midfielder Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso scored for Ivory Coast in that victory.
Heading into the biggest fixture in Group A, NRTC succinctly analyses measures the Super Eagles need to put in place if they are to emerge winners of this highly anticipated contest.
1. Centre-back combination must be firm and solid
The combination of Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and William Troost-Ekong didn’t look solid enough even against a lowly-rated Equatorial Guinea.
Semi Ajayi especially looked shaky a number of times when put under pressure by Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue. Ajayi’s instability gave Nsue confidence as he threatened the Nigerian defence when he had the ball.
With nine defenders in the Nigerian contingent, Peseiro has an array of top-rated defenders to choose from. The coach may not want to disrupt the rhythm of the team but truth is, he needs to be sure of whatever centre-back combination he goes with.
If Ajayi and Ekong are to pair against Ivory Coast, then it’ll be a tricky one. Other Nigerian defenders who can play the centre-back position alongside Ekong include Kenneth Omeruo, Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Awaziem, and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Bassey was brought on against Equatorial Guinea to play the left-back position. That’s a position he’s not been used to in a long time. The former Rangers player predominantly plays as a centre-back for Fulham. He also played in that position for Ajax, from where he was bought.
ALSO READ: AFCON 2023: The most notable tournament absentees
The trickiness of Ivory Coast’s wingers Jonathan Bamba and Jeremie Boga should be contained by the full-backs as well. Olaoluwa Aina and Zaidu Sanusi have a big task on their hands.
2. Peseiro must come up with a strategy not to be overrun in midfield
Jose Peseiro confirmed Alhassan Yusuf, who placed Wilfred Ndidi in the squad, is out of the Ivory Coast clash.
Yusuf suffered an injury against Equatorial Guinea and had to be taken off in the 69th minute of that encounter.
Frank Onyeka is expected to start against the hosts while Alex Iwobi is also anticipated to retain his position. However, Yusuf’s replacement may cause a headache for the coach.
There is Joe Aribo (an offensive player) and then Raphael Onyedika (a central midfielder). Aribo replaced Yusuf in the last game while Onyedika is yet to witness any minute of football action at AFCON.
If Aribo starts alongside Onyeka, that means a lot of work for the latter who is tasked with shielding the defence. Ivorian players Fofana and Franck Kessié are dangerous and technically sound players.
It will be the utmost pleasure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset to unleash these heavily built players against Nigeria’s defence. That means any player partnering Onyeka has to be defensively strong and must support the attack as well, whenever it is needed. So is it Onyedika or Aribo?
Whoever the coach goes for, Nigeria must be prepared and have plan A, B, and C regarding the midfield situation.
ALSO READ: AFCON 2023: Super Eagles midfielder Alhassan Yusuf ruled out of Ivory Coast encounter
3. Super Eagles must be more clinical against the Ivorians
It is that simple and straightforward. The Super Eagles must convert their chances. Half-chances will be created, same as clear-cut ones. The attackers/midfielders must be incisive and not caress the ball unnecessarily.
The aim is to hit the ball in the back of the net and that they must do. To win a match, first you need to score. So not scoring means you either settle for a goalless draw or a loss, if the opponent score one or more.
Zaidu Sanusi and Victor Osimhen were guilty of missing gilt-edged opportunities in the first game. In terms of conversion of chances, Nigeria need to do better.
The Ivory Coast-Nigeria is scheduled for 18:00 (GMT+1/WAT).
Discover more from News Round The Clock
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
