The centre-back could make his international bow against Guinea Bissau – here’s your guide to the Portugal based youngster
Bruno Onyemaechi has been handed another chance to make his Nigeria senior national team debut, having made the cut for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea Bissau.
Who is he and what qualities will he bring to Jose Peseiro’s Super Eagles? Soccernet.ng is on hand to tell you everything you need to know about the talented young defender.
In case you are unacquainted with the 23-year-old and his style of play, this is profile of a man who will be expected to make a big impact on the West Africans against the Djurtus.
Sopuruchukwu Bruno Onyemaechi is a professional footballer who represents Portuguese topflight side Boavista.
Born in Owerri, Nigeria – the defender initially rose through the youth ranks at Lillestrom before joining Feirense in 2018.
Having impressed in the Blues from the Feira youth team, he was handed his first professional contract in 2020.
Nevertheless, his inability to tie down a regular place at the Estadio Marcolino de Castro saw him loaned to SC Vila Real for the 2020-21 campaign. The next destination for him was a loan move to topflight side Boavista at the start of the 2022-23 campaign
Still in his maiden season at the Estadio do Bessa, he has made 20 league appearances under manager Petit, with three matches played in the Portuguese Cup and one appearance in the Portuguese League Cup.
To cap a notable start to life with the Chequered ones, Onyemaechi boasts a goal so far – which he scored in Boavista’s 4-2 demolition of Portimonense on January 29, 2023.
Before his invitation for Guinea Bissau, he was first invited for the Super Eagles’ international friendly against Portugal in November 2022.
Onyemaechi is an adaptable defender and is capable of playing anywhere across the defensive line.
At Boavista, he is currently playing as a right-back, but can also play as a centre back or as a defensive midfielder.
“His positioning, focus, and determination to stay close to his man and not allow a dangerous cross in has prevented Benfica from enjoying success down the right. He makes the right decision in possession and executes well with regularity and has won four out of six ground duels thus far,” Zach Lowy raves about him following his impactful contribution against Benfica in February.
“Onyemaechi, 23, is one of the more physical players on the team but has blended that with a strong anticipation and a patience to not get sucked into making lunges, instead holding his ground, putting his foot in and winning the ball cleanly. Very strong footballing IQ.”
His overall rating in FIFA 23 is 69, with a potential of 78.
He is a Standard silver card and has got a two-star skill move rating. He prefers to shoot with his left foot and his work rate is medium/high.
His best stat is strength, which is 76, while he has 73 in standing tackle, and a shot power of 65.
This post was last modified on March 17, 2023 8:09 pm
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