2023 AFCON qualifiers: Five Super Eagles stars to watch out for against Sao Tome and Principe

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will aim to end their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches on a winning note when they host Sao Tome and Principe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday 

As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification fixtures draw to a close this weekend, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will engage Sao Tome and Principe in their first fixture on Sunday with both teams’ fate already assured.

Nigeria will be among the 24 countries to grace the 34th edition of the continental showpiece in Ivory Coast next year, while Sao Tome and Principe will aim for a better outing next time in their search for a maiden appearance at the tournament.

Ahead of the inconsequential encounter, Soccernet.ng previews five Super Eagles players to watch out for against the Sao Tomeans at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.

Gift Orban: (Gent, Belgium)

The 21-year-old has had a remarkable last few months after joining Belgian Pro League side Gent from Stabeak. His half-season with the club last term yielded 20 goals from 22 games and has started the new season with another 6 to his name

After being handed his first call-up to the national side, Orban hopes to get his maiden appearance to show his worth against the Central African country on Sunday.

Victor Boniface: (Bayer O4 Leverkusen, Germany)

Another new invitee to the national team is Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s in-form striker, Victor Boniface. After an impressive one season in Belgium, the 22-year-old has had a fast start in Germany with 4 goals from 3 games following his move to the Bay Arena this summer.

Boniface will be hoping to make his debut this weekend, and will also be looking to get his first goal for Nigeria against Sao Tome’s defense that has conceded 20 goals in 5 games.

Jordan Torunarigha: (Gent, Belgium)

Having represented Germany at various youth levels, Torunarigha recently switched his nationality to represent Nigeria.

The 26-year-old has now been called up for the first time to the Super Eagles squad by head coach Jose Peseiro.

Torunarigha will also be hoping to get the chance to prove his place in the team with only a few months to the start of the 2023 AFCON tournament.

Samuel Chukwueze: (AC Milan, Italy)

Chukwueze believes that he still has a lot to prove with the national team after a summer transfer move from Villarreal to Italian giants AC Milan.

Five years after he was promoted to the senior team, Chukwueze’s time with the team has not been completely convincing but will hopes a switch to a new club can bring a turnaround in his performance for the Super Eagles.

Bruno Onyemaechi: (Boasvita, Portugal)

Onyemachi has been handed another chance to make his Nigeria senior national team debut, having made the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe.

The 24-year-old has been impressive in his club Boavista’s outstanding start to their Portugal Liga campaign, helping them claim 10 points from their first four games.

With the head coach, Peseiro expected to give new players their maiden appearance, Onyemachi could be in line to finally get his long-awaited Super Eagles debut.

Watch the team’s first training here:

First training at the training pitch of the Nest of Champions in Uyo. 23 players trained. #SoarSuperEagles #AFCON2023Q #LetsDoitAgain pic.twitter.com/fe4fX7qBZt

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 6, 2023