The Super Eagles face a most daunting task against seven-time champions Egypt and captain Mohamed Salah in an opening AFCON Group D clash in Garoua today.
We present a special analysis of the players and the tactics they should employ to get off to a winning start in Cameroon from the 5pm kick-off this evening.
The much anticipated Africa Cup of Nations finally kicked off between Cameroon and Burkina Faso at the Stade Omnisport Paul Biya, Olembé in Yaoundé.
And with this excitement comes that of the Super Eagles and how they will perform in the competition.
There is also much to consider about how the team will set-up. With the firing of former Nigerian national team coach Gernot Rohr and the appointment of a new coaching crew led by interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen (Jose Peseiro will take over after the competition), there is a lot of uncertainty around what shape the team will take on the pitch.
Add to this the changes that had to be made to the team list due to Covid-19, injures, and other issues, and it definitely makes this an opportune time to predict what the Super Eagle’s line-up will be for their opening Group D fixture in against Egypt at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Garoua.
Nigeria’s line-up will be predicted through observation of their friendly against Cotonsport, which they won 2-0 on the 7th of January, and the process of elimination.
Insights from many of their other previous matches will also be used.
Nigeria’s Squad
Below is Nigeria’s squad list for the Africa Cup of Nations competition. Peter Olayinka, Henry Onyekuru, Semi Ajayi, and Tyronne Ebuehi were late replacements for the likes of Odion Ighalo, Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis, Shehu Abdullahi, and Leon Balogun.
FORMATION
In the Super Eagle’s friendly against Coton Sport, the following personnel started the match: Okoye, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Sanusi, Ndidi, Aribo, Iheanacho, Ejuke, Musa and Awoniyi.
This set of players hint at a 1-4-2-3-1 or some variation of a 1-4-4-2 formation.
Due to this being Nigeria’s first official match under interim coach Eguavoen and due to not having spent much time with the players, it is possible that the team will set-up in a 1-4-4-2.
This is because it is a formation that is easy to stay organized in and easy to teach.
The solidity and organization of a 1-4-4-2 will also make it easier to deal with one of the best players in the world at the moment, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.
Who is Unlikely to Start?
In this process of trying to figure out how the Nigerian national team will set up for their opening match, it will be useful to narrow the team down based on those that are almost certain to not start.
Goalkeepers
John Noble has yet to be capped by the national, so he is unlikely to start.
Defenders
Ndah is yet to earn his first cap for the team, so is unlikely to be in the starting eleven of the first match of the competition. It is a risk the coach will not want to take.
Ajayi and Ebuehi were only called back to the team to fill in for the injured Balogun and Abdullahi Shehu. This indicates that they were not in Eguavoen’s plans from the beginning.
Midfielders
Nwakali has 0 caps and Onyeka is not as experienced as Ndidi and Aribo. Both are very unlikely to be in the starting eleven for this match.
Forwards
Seeing as how Onyekuru and Olaynika were late inclusions to the team, there is a strong possibility that they were afterthoughts and should not be expected to be in the main eleven for the opener.
Sadiq also has no previous experience playing for the Super Eagles. When compared to the other forward options, this low level of experience makes him a big doubt.
Who is Likely to Start?
Goalkeeper
Maduka Okoye started the friendly match on Friday against Cotonsport. Prior to this, he was used regularly under the tenure of Gernot Rohr. Eguavoen will likely maintain trust in him.
Defenders
Troost-Ekong as the captain is a guaranteed starter. His leadership and defensive qualities will be needed. He has proven to be a mainstay in the team.
Omeruo is likely to start in the absence of Balogun as one of the more experienced players in the squad.
Sanusi will likely start at left back. His pace will be important against Mohamed Salah.
Ola Aina has also shown the experience at both international and club levels to warrant being a starter.
This was the back four used in their friendly game on Friday and it seems like it will be the most trusted going into the competition.
Midfielders
Ndidi is one of the most important players on the team. His industrial approach is necessary to makes sure that Nigeria is effective both in attack and defence.
Aribo will also compliment him well as he is one of the most technical midfielders available.
Forwards
Despite Musa’s goal during their friendly match, there is still a good chance he will be an experienced option off the bench.
Iheanacho is the best at the supporting striker role and will likely get the edge because of that.
Iwobi will be needed to increase the amount of technical ability and creativity in the team.
Chukwueze scored during the last match and has the directness needed to give the team a proper balance.
Awoniyi makes for a very useful starting striker due to his good level of strength and pace. He also started as striker last game.
Line-up
Now that the list has been narrowed down to eleven likely starters, this is the Super Eagles predicted line-up for this crucial AFCON Group D opener against Egypt.
As a whole, there is a core of players that are used to each other.
The defence should be able to do a good job due to its experience and quality.
In midfield, there is a good balance of high work rate, technique and directness from the wings.
Iwobi should be able to translate his experience of playing some matches as a wingback for Everton into dropping back to help Sanusi when Salah is in wide positions.
Iheanacho will also compliment Awoniyi’s typical number 9 style.
Well I think it should be sadiq
ahead of Awoniyi