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We explore why five Super Eagles players might not be ideal choices for the Nigerian squad at AFCON 2023.
In the world of football, significantly ahead of major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the selection of the national team squad is always a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.
Here, we explore why five Super Eagles players might not be ideal choices for the Nigerian squad at AFCON 2023.
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08:11 - 30.12.2023
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22:36 - 29.12.2023
AFCON 2023: ‘We need him’ - Victor Oshimen praises Ahmed Musa
Key in these discussions has been the commendation by star striker Victor Osimhen for his teammate Ahmed Musa, emphasizing Musa's integral role in the team's qualification for the tournament.
Francis Uzoho
Uzoho has been a part of the Nigerian national team for a while but has faced criticism for inconsistency and errors in crucial matches.
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If more reliable goalkeeping options are available, the technical team might prefer to select a goalkeeper with a more robust recent performance record.
Kenneth Omeruo
Omeruo, known for his time in the Spanish league, has been a regular in the Nigerian defence. However, age and injury concerns could be a factor in deciding not to include him.
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The coaches might opt for a fresher defensive line if younger, faster, and more agile defenders emerge.
William Troost-Ekong
Ekong has been a mainstay in Nigeria's defence. Still, similar to Omeruo, if there have been recent lapses in his performances or if he's struggling to adapt to new defensive strategies, this could justify looking at other options.
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Joe Aribo
Midfielders like Aribo are crucial to a team's tactical setup. If Aribo's style of play aligns differently with the coach's tactical approach or if his recent club performances have been underwhelming, this could be a reason to explore other midfield talents.
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Ahmed Musa
Musa has been an influential player for Nigeria, known for his speed and attacking prowess. However, age and the emergence of younger, more dynamic forwards could be reasons to consider other options.
Additionally, if Musa's recent form has dipped, it might be a factor in the decision-making process.
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In conclusion, while each of these players has contributed significantly to the Super Eagles in the past, factors like current form, fitness levels, tactical suitability, and the availability of other talented players might lead to their exclusion from the AFCON 2023 squad.
It's important to note that such decisions are complex and involve many variables, including the team's overall strategy and the coaching staff's vision.
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