Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been struggling with their defensive game lately, and coach Jose Peseiro has been feeling the pressure.
With the team conceding at least a goal in seven of their last eight games and losing their last three matches, it’s clear that something needs to change.
The good news is that there are some quality defenders out there who could provide the solution.
Soccernet.ng‘s Imhons Erons highlights five quality defenders who can take over from the aging Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, and Kenneth Omeruo.
First on our list is the versatile 23-year-old Bruno Onyemaechi. He’s been impressing at Boavista this season, playing both as a left-back and a centre-back. And to top it off, he earned his first Super Eagles call-up in November.
With his skill set, he could be the perfect long-term fit for the left centre-back role, a problem area for Nigeria.
Next is the Italian-born Caleb Okoli, who played a prominent role in Salernitana’s sensational promotion to the Italian Serie A last season.
Although he’s played for Italy’s youth team, he’s eligible to play for Nigeria. And with his impressive performances for Atalanta in the first half of this season, he could be a valuable addition to the Super Eagles.
Torunarigha is another player who could make a huge difference for Nigeria. He’s been enjoying a new lease of life in Belgium with Gent since leaving his childhood club Hertha Berlin last year.
Although he previously turned down the chance to play for Nigeria, he’s reportedly more open to switching his commitments and playing for the Super Eagles now that he’s 25.
With his strong defensive skills, Torunarigha would be a huge asset to the team.
Adarabioyo is a quality defender who has featured in 14 Premier League games for Fulham this season, scoring once.
Despite being a former England youth international, he’s still eligible to play for Nigeria. He’s fast, strong, and great in the air, all of which would make him an excellent addition to the Super Eagles.
And last but not least, we have Igoh Ogbu.
This 23-year-old defender was highly rated in Norway before he moved to the Czech Republic in January, where he’s quickly become a regular starter at Slavia Prague.
Ogbu is a tough-tackling defender who is great in one-on-one duels, but he still has some points to smoothen out about his game. However, with his arsenal of defensive skills, he could add some much-needed strength to the Super Eagles backline.
So there you have it – our top five quality solutions to Jose Peseiro’s worst Super Eagles headache.
With defenders like these, we are sure the Super Eagles will be able to tighten up their defence and start winning again in no time.
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