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AFCON Qualifiers: Consistent And In-Form Nigeria Super Eagles Eligible Players

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Nigerian players in recent times across top European and Scandinavia leagues has been major topics of discussion amongst analysts, Pundits and football enthusiasts following their exploits with their various Clubsides.

Excitingly, these exploits are amongst Unheralded Nigerian eligible stars who are been described as the future of the Nigeria Super Eagles team if they maintain and improve on their recent form.

In a bid to book a place in the AFCON, the Nigeria Super Eagle’s will be engaging in a doubleheader Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau later this month.

The Super Eagles will play the first leg at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on March 24 with the second leg taking place three days later at the 24 de Setembro Nacional Stadium.

In view of the Eagles important fixture, here (7) Seven Nigerian stars whose current form cannot be overlooked and certainly deserves a place in the Eagles team ahead of their double header fixture.

1. Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista Futebol Clube, Portugal)


Bruno ranks amongst in-form Nigerian defenders plying their trade outside the shores of the country.

The Utility player whose mostly plays from thee left back position has been consistent in the stars studded Boavista team.

The energetic youngster possess a blistering pace with which he utilizes to score goals and provide assists in Boavista games.

The defender has proved above reasonable doubts that he is ready and deserves to cop a starting shirt in the Nigeria Super Eagles team.

2. Victor Boniface (Union Belgium)


Week in, Week out, red-hot Victor Boniface has been making headlines in the Belgian Jupiler league as well as in the UEFA Europa League.

With (7) league goals and (5) assists to his name, Boniface has proved to be the needed youthful spark needed in the Frontline of the Nigeria Super Eagles team.

His clinical finishing prowess makes him stands out and his ability to delete and set up assists makes him unplayable.

The Nigerian international ranks amongst UEFA Europa League top scorers after recording a brace last time out against Union Berlin.

3. Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Praha, Czech Republic)



The former Nigeria U-20 ace lists as one defender who has proved beyond doubts to be a reliable defender.

After an explosive stint in the Norwegian Eliteserien, Ogbu’s efforts has further proved his performance in Norway was never a fluke.

Igoh has been ever present in Slavia Praha team and has been the man behind the mask who has been ensuring wins for Slavia Praha on clean-sheets.

With Super Eagles assistant Skipper, Troost Ekong, reported to be injured and might miss Super Eagles AFCON qualifiers double header fixture, Igoh Ogbu recent form makes him qualified to be drafted into the squad to fill the Skipper void.

4. Isaac Success (Udinese Calcio, Italy)


Former Nigeria U20 talisman, Isaac Success ranks as one of Nigeria consistent strikers across top leagues.

With plethora of assists to his name, Success has been ever present and handful for Udiense as he has been involved in his side all 26 League Matched.

With the Super Eagles on-line for AFCON qualifiers series, recalling of Isaac Success is needed as he would bring quality and squad depth in the Eagles attacking department.

5. Gift Orban (KAA Gent, Belgium)


The new sensation has proved to be a talent to be on the look out for. Coming from Norwegian second tier side, Stabæk to Belgian top-flight league side, Gent, Orban has never stopped scoring.

Orban in some many occasions has been a hero for KAA Gent team with his goals and assist which has got tongues wagging in his praise.

With four goal display at the weekend, the Nigerian youngster has proved to be ripped to play for the Nigeria National.

6. Abdulrahman Taiwo (Spartak Trnava, Slovakia)


Taiwo’s talent has never been in doubt after a great show during his stint with the Nigeria U20 team.

Taiwo has grown through the ranks to establish himself as a Super regular in Spartak Trnava team, a place he has showed working with goals.

With (7) goals to his name, Taiwo is a lethal striker every team deserves to have in their fold as his current form should be banked and utilitize by the Nigeria Super Eagles team.

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Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria: Rating Of Nigeria Super Eagles Players

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The Nigerian Super Eagles came through with a big win in the reverse fixture against Guinea-Bissau before their host fans, all thanks to Moses Simon first half spot kick which separated the two sides at full time.

With the win, the Nigeria Super Eagles thus makes up for it’s disappointing first leg loss and has gone ahead to top the group following their slim win in Guinea-Bissau.

Following the team exciting outing, below is a rating of the individual performances of the Nigeria Super Eagles team.

1. Francis Uzoho (7/10)
Uzoho was much more composed in the Eagles big win. The Cyprus based goalkeeper had few moments but they few times he was called to action, he gave a good save to keep the Eagles ahead.

2. Bright Samuel-Osayi (10/10)
Arguably Super Eagles man of the match, Samuel-Osayi was a beauty playing from the right back position.

The Fenerbache Defender seamless movement offensively gifted the team the penalty which produced the only goal.

3. Zaidu Sanusi (8/10)
Unlike in the first leg, Zaidu was a handful for the team. The FC Porto was solid defensively and caused more harms offensively. Formed a good partnership with Moses Simon down the channel.

4. Kenneth Omeruo (8/10)
Leganes defender,. Kenneth Omeruo was drafted in to take the place of Calvin Bassey in the game. The experienced center back brought in lots of experience to the backline as he made timely tackles and clearance.

5. Semi Ajayi (8/10)
Ajayi gave a good account of himself. Great partnership with Omeruo but had his rating reduced the few times he gave away balls cheaply as well few moments of indesicion.

6. Frank Onyeka (8/10)
Onyeka who took the place of Wilfred Ndidi showed character and resilient. Onyeka was virtually everywhere, won most second balls which helped the team maintain possession.

7. Alex Iwobi (9/10)
Iwobi came to the party and gave in his all. The Everton man was virtually everyone and strived to make things happen for the Eagles from the middle of the park.

8. Samuel Chukwueze (8/10)
A decent one from Samuel Chukwueze, his cohesion with Samuel-Osayi made their wing lively but had his rating reduced as he failed to make key moments count.

9. Moses Simon (8/10)
Scored the winning goal, Moses Simon who took the place of Ademola Lookman in the starting XI was lively to his duties, formed a great working partnership alongside Zaidu Sanusi down the line.

10. Terem Moffi (8/10)
Moffi who took thee place of Kelechi Iheanacho in the starting XI had a good show. The OG Nice striker partnership with Victor Osimhen was decent but failed to convert few begging chances.

11. Victor Osimhen (8/10)
Napel striker, Osimhen was lively today unlike in the first game in Abuja. Osimhen was presented with few goal scoring opportunities but failed to utilize.

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Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria: Super Eagles Starting XI

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Barely few minutes away from Nigeria Super Eagles all important fixture against the ‘Wild Dogs’ of Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria Super Eagles gaffer, Jose Peseiro, has rolled out a stars studded starting XI for the game.

Coach Jose Peseiro effected (5) changes in the starting XI against Guinea-Bissau in Nigeria as they hope to redeem themselves in the reverse fixture.

In his traditional formation, Coach Jose Peseiro opted for Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho in between the sticks.

In a four man defence set-up, Peseiro opted for the backline duo of Kenneth Omeruo with Semi Ajayi coming in to take the place of injured Kevin Akpoguma.

In the right and left back position, impressive Samuel Osayi retained it’s place at the right back and Zaidu Sanusi from the left.

In the middle of the park, Peseiro unleashed Frank Onyeka to play from the defence midfield position alongside Everton midfielder, Alex Iwobi.

Down the flanks, Jose Peseiro opted for the duo of Samuel Chukwueze playing from the right hand channel and Moses Simon playing from the left hand.

With Victor Osimhen fit, the Napoli striker has been handed the role to lead attack for the Eagles with Terem Moffi playing from the supportive role.



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Full list: Super Falcons invite Oparanozie, Oshoala, 21 others For International Friendly camp

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Nigeria Super Falcons gaffer, Randy Waldron, through the NFF communication department have released a 23-player squad list for the team international friendly fixtures against, Haiti and New Zealand in April.

In the stars studded list, Randy Waldrum recalled erstwhile Super Falcons captain, Desire Oparanozie for the team test games before the world cup

Alongside Oparanozie, Waldrum invited 40-year-old Abia Angels defender and captain Onome Ebi, Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade. There was also room for young Rivers Angels midfielder Deborah Abiodun and Stade de Reims duo of Rofiat Imuran and Tosin Demehin. Abia Angels goalkeeper Inyene Etim also received a first invitation to the squad for the friendlies in Antalya, Turkey.

The team will take on Haiti on April 7th before playing a second game against the World Cup co-hosts New Zealand on April 11th. The Super Falcons secured a narrow win over Costa Rica in their last friendly at the Revelations Cup, ending a dire run of seven defeats. The goalscorer in that game, Esther Okoronkwo, was also invited for this set of friendlies.

Here is the Super Falcons squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Yewande Balogun, Inyene Etim.

Defenders: Onome Ebi, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Glory Ogbonna, Rofiat Imuran, Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie.

Midfielders: Regina Otu, Halimatu Ayinde, Ngozi Okobi, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun.

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onumonu, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday.

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