Nigeria vs Ghana: The 3 Super Eagles stars to watch out for in 'jollof derby' friendly game

Nigeria’s upcoming friendly game against arch-rivals, Ghana, will give the new technical crew led by Finidi George a chance to assess some of the Super Eagles players.

It will be the country’s first international game since losing in the Africa Cup of Nations final to Ivory Coast on February 11 under the tutelage of former coach, Jose Peseiro.

According to the Daily Post, the Super Eagles will be without top players like Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Gabriel Osho, and Tyronne Ebuehi due to injuries after they all pulled out of the squad.

Despite the injury setbacks, 26 players, including Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi, have arrived at the training camp in Morocco ahead of the game against the Black Stars.

Sports Brief, alongside All Nigeria Soccer, has taken a look at the top three Super Eagles players to watch out for in their international friendly against Ghana today (March 22).

3 Nigeria players to watch out for

1. Alex Iwobi

The Super Eagles attacking midfielder, currently having a wonderful campaign with Fulham in the Premier League, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Nigerian midfield.

Iwobi was one of the players highly criticized by fans after Nigeria’s loss to Ivory Coast in the AFCON final, forcing him to take a break from social media.

His work ethic will be critical in controlling the tempo of the game against the Black Stars, and his ingenuity in the final third could be the key to breaking down Ghana's defence.

Alex Iwobi: Nigeria ???????? vs Ghana ???????? is not just a friendly match #Afrosport #Nigeria #SuperEagles #Iwobi #Ghana #BlackStars #AlexIwobi pic.twitter.com/KPOd4goETW

— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) March 21, 2024

2. Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman was one of Nigeria’s standout players at the 2023 AFCON, scoring three goals in the knockout phase as the Super Eagles zoomed into the final.

The 27-year-old winger’s technicality and pace will cause trouble for any defence and the Black Stars will have to be at their very best to keep the Atalanta forward at bay in the friendly game.

Lookman’s ability to draw defenders out of position helps creates space for his teammates, making him a valuable asset in Nigeria's attacking set-up.

“Really happy to be back with the team….It’s an opportunity for us to show to the level that we are at.”

- Ademola Lookman pic.twitter.com/0hxlJwfFab

— Chief Mighty George (@iamMightyGeorge) March 20, 2024

3. Moses Simon

Moses Simon is one of the senior players presently in the Super Eagles squad and his wealth of experience will be crucial for Nigeria in their tense encounter against Ghana.

Just like Lookman, the 28-year-old Nantes winger is renowned for his dazzling skills and ability to weave past defenders with ease down the flanks.

If Nigeria is to come out victorious against the Black Stars, interim coach Finidi George will need to deploy Moses in his best position down the left flanks.