June 09, (THEWILL) – Coach José Santos Peseiro has announced Nigeria’s formidable squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.
The Super Eagles squad, which is determined to secure victory and strengthen their position at the top of the qualification group, is preparing for June’s crucial showdown on Sunday, at Monrovia’s Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium. Led by captain Ahmed Musa, the squad includes talented players such as goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye of Hapoel Jerusalem, defender William Ekong, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and forward Moses Simon.
One standout player in the team sheet is Victor Osimhen, who has been in scintillating form for Napoli, scoring an impressive 31 goals this season. Osimhen’s exceptional performances helped the I Partenopei reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and win the Italian Serie A title after 33 years.
The Super Eagles lead their group with nine points from four matches. Guinea Bissau’s Wild Dogs follow closely on seven points, while the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, who previously gave the Eagles a tough match, have five points. The upcoming reverse fixture against Sierra Leone is crucial for the Super Eagles’ journey to AFCON, as they aim to secure their qualification with a win in their quest for another continental title.
Yet, the squad lacks in the involvement of solid options from the Nigeria Premier League, the country’s top flight domestic football competition. Some of the best legs in the NPL have distinguished themselves especially in weak areas of the Super Eagles formation, such as the backline and defensive midfield positions. For instance, Bendel Insurance Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie helped the team go 19 games without losing a single match since the season started. He can challenge Rivers United’s Victor Sochima, who was included in the Peseiro squad.
Fortunately, Rivers defender Ebube Duru has been included but he is not the only solid defender available. Ekerrette Udom has been just as efficient for Sunshine Stars. In the midfield, Joseph Atule of Lobi Stars and Rivers United Paul Acquah are solid options to consider and can complement the work of the invited Bendel Insurance midfield brilliance of Divine Nwachukwu.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
