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AFCON 2025
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Defenders Franklin Tebo Uchenna (Red Star Belgrade) and Emmanuel Uchenna (AC Sparta Prague) anchor their teams' defenses, showing strong technical and tactical acumen during recent UEFA European fixtures.
Two promising, yet relatively unknown, Super Eagles-eligible centre-backs, Franklin Tebo Uchenna and Emmanuel Uchenna, have significantly boosted their profiles after delivering pivotal defensive masterclasses in recent UEFA European competitions.
Tebo, 25, was instrumental for FK Crvena Zvezda, also known as Red Star Belgrade, in their 1-0 Europa League victory against French side Lille, while 21-year-old Emmanuel helped AC Sparta Prague secure a valuable goalless draw against Rakow Czestochowa in the Europa Conference League.
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11:34 - 07.11.2025
World Cup Playoff: Aubameyang leads Gabon’s 27-Man squad to face Super Eagles
Gabon has announced a 27-man squad to compete against the Super Eagles in the World Cup playoff match.
Both Nigerians played the full 90 minutes, showing the kind of commanding displays that should put them firmly on the Super Eagles' radar.
Tebo's titanic defensive display helps Red Star win
Tebo Uchenna, who transferred to Red Star Belgrade and is building a solid reputation, was the second highest-rated player on the pitch for the Serbian giants in their narrow but vital 1-0 win over Lille. Facing an aggressive French attack, Tebo demonstrated exceptional aerial dominance and technical composure.
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His performance metrics were outstanding: an 84% pass accuracy showed his ability to build from the back, complemented by a staggering 9 clearances (6 headed), 2 tackles, and 2 interceptions.
Notably, Tebo also contributed offensively, hitting the woodwork once, showing his influence at both ends of the pitch. His 9 clearances were crucial to relieving pressure against a high-possession Lille side, proving he can thrive under duress.
Emmanuel anchors Sparta Prague
Meanwhile, former Ikorodu City prospect, Emmanuel, played a key role in AC Sparta Prague's 0-0 draw with Polish side Rakow Czestochowa. Playing 90 minutes, the 21-year-old was a tireless presence in defense, displaying excellent positional awareness and breaking up play in the midfield battle.
The young centre-back posted an impressive 85% pass accuracy from a team-high 111 touches, emphasising his role as a primary ball-progressor. Defensively, Emmanuel made a game-high four tackles, displaying his aggressive nature in winning the ball, alongside 6 recoveries and key clearances.
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The emergence of Tebo and Emmanuel, both of whom are relatively 'unknown' to the wider Super Eagles faithful compared to established names, provides the Nigerian national team with much-needed depth and competition in the central defense.
With Nigeria often struggling for consistent long-term centre-back pairings, the European exposure and commanding statistics of these two players could quickly elevate them into contention for the Super Eagles squad, especially for upcoming qualifiers.
Franklin Tebo Uchenna and Emmanuel Uchenna are transitioning from Super Eagles-eligible prospects to credible defensive forces in Europe. Their dominant, clean-sheet displays are an exciting development for Nigerian football.