Soccer News of Friday, 24 March 2023

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Osimhen to pair Moffi upfront: Check out Super Eagles possible starting XI against Guinea-Bissau

Napoli Starman Victor Osimhen makes his return to the Super Eagles squad after his last display against Sao Tome and Principe in June last year.

The 24-year-old bagged a double brace as Nigeria demolished Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 in their last Nations Cup qualifier game at the Stadio Agadir in Morocco.

With his remarkably rich vein of form for the Serie A leaders, Osimhen will undoubtedly walk straight into the starting lineup as he is likely to lead the Super Eagles attack with Terem Moffi who is also enjoying his best season in the French league.

Now let's delve deeper into Coach Jose Peseiro's probable XI against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau.


Goalkeeper

Super Eagles number one, Francis Uzoho is likely to get the nod in post ahead of Rivers United's Victor Sochima and Kingsley Aniagboso of Giant Brillars.

The Cyprus-based shot-stopper is by far the most experienced among the three goalkeepers who received a call-up from Jose Peseiro.


Defenders

Leganes captain Kenneth Omeruo is likely to pair with Ajax defender Calvin Bassey at the heart of defence.

Omeruo has been consistent for the Segunda División side and Bassey is likely to start despite not seeing much playing time under Ajax's new boss, John Heitinga.

FC Porto's Zaidu Sanusi and high-flying Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel will complete the defence as fullbacks.

Midfielders

Premier League stars, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi are the favourites to start in the central midfield area for Jose Peseiro's side.

Ndidi is likely to make his first Super Eagles start in over a year. The Leicester City star missed the World Cup playoffs against Ghana exactly a year ago and the two AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe.

Iwobi was phenomenal for Everton in the early stages of the season until his recent injury.

Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze will complete the midfield of four on the flanks.

Lookman has been sensational for Atalanta since joining the club last summer from RB Liepzig.

The 25-year-old has managed 12 goals in his first Serie A season for Atalanta.

Samuel Chukwueze has also been in impressive form for the Yellow Submarines in La Liga in recent times.

His remarkable display in the Spanish topflight has earned him a nomination for the Player of the month award in March.


Forwards

The in-form Victor Osimhen is likely to partner with OGC Nice's Terem Moffi in attack for the Super Eagles.

The duo has been outstanding for their respective European clubs this season firing from all cylinders.

Osimhen, 24, is the leading top scorer in Serie A with 21 goals, whereas Moffi has netted 15 goals in the French league.


Predicted XI: Uzoho, Omeruo, Bassey, Osaye-Samuel, Sanusi, Iwobi, Ndidi, Lookman, Chukwueze, Moffi, Osimhen.

Formation: 4-4-2

WDN