2023 AFCON: Three Super Eagles players to watch out for against Ivory Coast

A blockbuster clash between continental heavyweights Nigeria and Ivory Coast sees talent strewn across the pitch.

 

However, the Super Eagles will look to a trio of game-changers to rise to the occasion and seize early AFCON dominance. 

 

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at three Super Eagles players to watch out for in Thursday’s clash at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

 

 

1. Victor Osimhen

 

After a prolific Serie A campaign last season, Victor Osimhen will be eager to translate his Napoli scoring form from the previous season to the national team. Pace, power and lethal finishing with both feet mean Osimhen carries perennial goal threats from wide forward roles.

 

Expertly timed runs allow Osimhen to breach even the deepest defensive lines regularly behind center backs. Meanwhile aerial threats, be it flicking headers into teammates’ paths or acrobatic overhead kicks, showcase his unpredictable danger.

 

If Super Eagles creative outlets can supply Osimhen early, the Napoli hotshot shapes as the prime candidate to decide a potential AFCON classic. 

 

2. William Troost-Ekong

 

POAK center-back William Troost-Ekong shapes as an understated key to neutralizing Ivory Coast’s array of counter threats.

 

The Nigeria stand-in captain provides a sturdy cornerstone at the heart of defense. Comfortable with both feet whilst strong in making tackles and triumphant aerially, Troost-Ekong offers a complete defensive skillset.

 

Critically against star-studded Ivory Coast, the Dutch-born defender boasts the concentration and reading of play to shine.

 

Rarely caught out of position, Troost-Ekong sweeps effectively behind fullbacks while keeping forwards from spinning in behind.

 

With Ivory Coast boasting game changers like Jeremie Boga, Karim Konate and Jean-Phillippe Krasso, Troost-Ekong’s organizational and covering capabilities will prove pivotal.

 

If Nigeria’s leader by example marshals his backline expertly, the Super Eagles can frustrate Ivory Coast’s array of threats.

 

3. Ademola Lookman

 

Though goals grab the most glory, Atalanta BC winger Ademola Lookman provides the much needed creativity for the Super Eagles.

 

Drifting inward off the flank, Lookman conjures chance after chance threading defense-splitting passes. 

 

Much like Osimhen and Chukwueze, Lookman supplements playmaking talents with pace and one versus one trickery beating defenders.

 

This multifaceted threat forces markers to backpedal, creating increased openings for the forwards ahead to exploit. 

 

If able to draw attention before releasing passing channels, Lookman’s craft and vision could dismantle Ivory Coast’s rearguard systematically.

 

 

Ejim Kaycee

 

 

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