The attack has always been the strongest department of the Super Eagles and this has been further strengthened by the additions of Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze, Henry Onyekuru, who shone at Turkish double champions Galatasaray this past season, and Denmark-based Paul Onuachu, who is now a proven option to lead the strike force.
Odion Ighalo was top scorer in the qualifiers with seven goals, Ahmed Musa is also known to weigh in with some crucial goals, while Victor Osimhen has proved this past season in Belgium that he knows his way to goal and he will prove this in Egypt when he gets his chance.
Super Eagles Profiles Defenders
Super Eagles Profiles Goalkeepers
Super Eagles Profiles Midfielders
Odion Jude IGHALO
Age: 30
Club: Shanghai Shenhua (China)
Caps: 26
Debut: vs Uganda (2015)
Ighalo’s intelligence in front of goal will be relied on to deliver the goals for his country to continue his rich vein of form in front of goal that saw him emerge top scorer in the AFCON 2019 qualifiers. He has shrugged off an indifferent showing at last year’s World Cup and a recent injury to remain the spearhead of the Eagles attack.
Ahmed MUSA
Age: 27
Club: Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
Caps: 81
Debut: vs Madagascar (2010)
Eagles assistant captain Ahmed Musa will always bring pace, directness, goals and experience to the table in Egypt. Heading towards a century of caps just like Mikel, the former Leicester City top marksman will keep his markers very busy at AFCON and he will surely be one to watch out for.
Samuel CHUKWUEZE
Age: 20
Club: Villarreal (Spain)
Caps: 1
Debut: vs Zimbabwe (2019)
Had a fantastic debut season in the Spanish La Liga and ultimately the Eagles’ chance came calling. Opted out of the disappointing Flying Eagles team to Poland U20 World Cup to book his ticket to Egypt. He’s expected to bring along his scoring boots as well as the delightful surging runs, deft touches and dangerous left foot. Smart money will always be on him to impress.
Henry ONYEKURU
Age: 22
Club: Galatasaray (Turkey)
Caps: 7
Debut: vs Togo (2017)
Onyekuru’s excellent scoring form will be counted on when hostilities began with the group opener against Burundi. A starting shirt may not be assured, but you can be sure he will deliver when he is called upon.
Victor OSIMHEN
Age: 20
Club: Sporting Charleroi (Belgium)
Caps: 3
Debut: vs Togo (2017)
Rohr believes so much on this youngster and his smart money is always on him to deliver when he gets his chance. He’s got the ability to score and intelligence to match it, but whether he will get his chance ahead of more senior strikers will solely depend on Rohr’s decision.
Paul Ebere ONUACHU
Age: 24
Club: FC Midtylland (Denmark)
Caps: 2
Debut: vs Egypt
The traditional target man has got his deserved chance with the senior team and grabbed it with both feet after his quick-fire match winner against Egypt in a friendly in March. He will be expected to make the most of his chances again in Egypt.
