Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Dennis Erezi
Published on 2024-02-04 06:40:56
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have had a remarkable turnaround in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, going from an unimpressive start to becoming the first team to reach the semi-finals and being tipped as favourites for the title.
The team boasts of a number of standout players who have stepped up when it mattered most in their quest for a fourth AFCON title. Nigeria will face off against South Africa in the semi-final on Wednesday. Here are five players whose performances have won the hearts of fans so far:
Stanley Nwabali: Since being named Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2023 AFCON, Nwabali has impressed fans with his confidence, calmness under pressure, and constant engagement with defenders. He has brought much-needed relief in the goalkeeping area, an area where the Super Eagles have lacked quality in recent times. Following his return from injury, Nwabali kept his fourth consecutive clean sheet in the 1-0 win against Angola in the quarter-finals, equalling the feat set by past Nigerian goalkeepers.
Victor Osimhen: Despite scoring just one goal, Osimhen has been a force to be reckoned with for defenders. His tenacity, fighting spirit, and doggedness have made him a delight to watch for fans. He has been involved in nearly all of the Super Eagles’ goals, either by drawing fouls leading to penalties or creating opportunities for his teammates.
Ademola Lookman: After a series of unconvincing displays in the national team, Lookman has reinvented himself and emerged as the Super Eagles’ top scorer with three goals. His pace and dribbling ability have been instrumental in Nigeria’s attack, and he has been named Man of the Match in several games.
Moses Simon: Despite facing criticism in the past, Simon has won over Nigerian fans with his performances at the 2023 AFCON. He is the only Super Eagles player to have been named Man of the Match twice and has shown his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
Calvin Bassey: The Fulham defender has been a standout performer in the Nigerian team, with consistent stellar performances in defense. He has also shown his ability to contribute offensively, providing crucial assists in important games.
William Troost-Ekong: Despite being excluded in some of the AFCON 2023 qualifiers, Troost-Ekong has made a hinch perfect return to the Super Eagles. His wealth of experience and leadership in defense has been immense, and he has also shown his ability to contribute goals when called upon.
The Super Eagles’ standout players have given fans hope that the team may indeed be on its way to another AFCON title, with their impressive performances and contributions to the team’s success.
