Ten stars who will make Nigeria’s 2023 AFCON squad

Jose Peseiro can only take 27 out of the 40 players in his provisional squad, and some players are sure of a place

Coach Jose Peseiro named a provisional 40-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to go down in Ivory Coast next January.

Peseiro will have a tough job selecting the best squad for Nigeria because of the number of quality players available in the team. However, some players are sure of a place in the squad because of Peseiro’s preference or their superior quality.

Soccernet.ng looks at the ten players who could make the final 27-man squad.

Francis Uzoho

Uzoho is probably the most maligned player in the squad because of his constant errors, which have cost the Super Eagles in the past.

However, the Omonoia seems to be one of Peseiro’s trusted lieutenants, as the Portuguese tactician has stuck with Uzoho despite his mistakes. And with the AFCON just a few days away, it is unlikely that Peseiro will stick with the 25-year-old shot-stopper.

 

Bright Osayi-Samuel

Osayi-Samuel has had a great campaign with Fenerbahce this season, and he has been a revelation since he made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2022.

The 25-year-old full-back is a breath of fresh air to Nigeria’s right-back position, and he could just be the first choice instead of Ola Aina.

 

Calvin Bassey

With the oyinbo wall finally phased out, Bassey has taken over one of the vacant centre-back spots. The Fulham star has been quite rugged in recent games, albeit he still has much to work on.

Currently, he is one of the best defenders in the squad, and a spot in Ivory Coast seems to have been sealed already.

Kenneth Omeruo

The Kasimpasa is one of the most experienced players in the squad. He is the only player who has lifted the AFCON title. So, Peseiro would be banking on his wealth of experience.

At club level, Omeruo has been doing well, with 16 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig.

Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi is one of the regulars for Peseiro because of his undisputed quality. He is one of the best defensive midfielders in Africa, and it would be a travesty not to have him in the team.

Ndidi also has a lot of experience, as he has played at the Nations Cup and the World Cup already. The 27-year-old has registered two goals and five assists in 20 appearances for Leicester City this season.

Alex Iwobi

The Fulham star is the most creative midfielder in the team, albeit he has not exactly done that consistently. Nonetheless, Iwobi has been a regular under Peseiro, and it would be surprising if he does not make the AFCON squad.

Ahmed Musa

Musa is also another experienced head in the squad. He has been at the Nations Cup and the World Cup in the past, and even though he has not played much recently, he may just make the team.

The tournament in Ivory Coast may just be his last AFCON for Nigeria.

Moses Simon

The Nantes man is also one of the experienced players for Nigeria. He has played at the AFCON and against some of the best legs in the world.

Simon is also doing well at club level, registering three goals and five assists in 17 Ligue 1 games. Recently, Peseiro has shown a preference for Lookman on the left side of Nigeria’s attack, but Simon is a better dribbler and could pull chestnut out of the fire when need be.

Victor Boniface

Boniface is one of the hottest strikers in the world currently, and Peseiro would be hoping that it translates to the national team. There is hardly any other striker who is better and more dynamic than Boniface. Besides, after registering ten goals and six assists in 17 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen this season, Peseiro would have much explaining to do if he snubs Boniface.

Victor Osimhen

Unarguably, the first name that should be on Peseiro’s list is the Napoli talisman. The 24-year-old striker is Nigeria’s biggest star and best striker. So, he has to make the squad for Nigeria even to stand a chance of winning a medal.