After the opening-day draw with Equatorial Guinea, the spotlight falls sharply on Nigeria's next Group A game against no other than Cote d'Ivoire, excellent hosts of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The past few hours have seen the attention of many Nigerian fans dwell on the fitness of Alhassan Yusuf, the arrival of OGC Nice forward Terem Moffi to Super Eagles' camp, and the team meeting conjured by captains Ahmed Musa and William Troost-Ekong towards improving team performance ahead of the clash against the Elephants.
However, a key question no one wants to ask looms: should Victor Osimhen start versus Cote d'Ivoire following his subpar performance against Equatorial Guinea?
As the reigning African Footballer of the Year and indisputably Nigeria's best player, Osimhen's underwhelming form in the opening clash has ignited debate.
Despite salvaging a 1-1 draw with his 38th-minute equaliser, the Napoli striker's missed opportunities are hard to ignore.
Osimhen fired six shots against the National Thunder but scored just one goal.
Symbolising Nigeria's wastefulness in the encounter, Osimhen had four of his six attempts go off-target, and two of his misses will be hard to forget for a while.
In the first instant, Osimhen showed his speed of thought and awareness to set himself in a one-on-one situation with Equatorial Guinea's goalkeeper Jesus Owono. Still, the Deportivo Alaves goalkeeper made a crucial block save.
In the second situation, Osimhen raced on to a brilliant Alex Iwobi through-ball but fired an errant shot wide when he had only Owono to beat to leave fans stunned.
Stats don't lie – completing only one pass out of seven and straying offside three times, Osimhen did not exhibit the sharpness expected from a player of his caliber.
As Nigeria face a must-win situation against Cote d'Ivoire, the question emerges: should Osimhen be benched?
Nigeria's attack harbours alternatives.
Paul Onuachu, in stellar form for Trabzonspor before departing for the AFCON, is a potent option.
With a proven track record in Denmark and Belgium, Onuachu's finishing instinct in the box could unsettle the Ivorian defence.
With his height advantage and nose for loose balls in the danger area, the Southampton loanee has what it takes to set the AFCON ablaze with goals.
Another attacker who can keep Osimhen on the bench is Kelechi Iheanacho.
Although battling fitness concerns, the Leicester City forward boasts an impressive chance-to-goal ratio. If deemed fit, his danger in and around the box could prove invaluable.
There is also OGC Nice's striker Terem Moffi, who has a clean ball-striking ability, is adept at link-up play, and adds another dimension to Nigeria's attacking arsenal.
Any of Onuachu, Iheanacho, or Moffi could also be deployed alongside Osimhen to give Nigeria a more dangerous presence in the Ivorian penalty area.
Ultimately, the decision on who makes the starting lineup rests with head coach Jose Peseiro.
Whether Osimhen starts or not, the chosen striker must embody a fighting spirit and be adept at creating and finishing chances.
The narrative of Nigeria's AFCON journey pivots on the man who leads the line, and a victory against Cote d'Ivoire hinges on making the right choice.
The stage is set; the decision must be strategic and resolute.
Note: Who should lead Nigeria's attack against Cote d'Ivoire: Osimhen, Onuachu, Iheanacho or Moffi? Leave your answers in the comment section below.
If all of them are fit and combat ready and anyone who is more determined to play on that day should not be ignored
Osimen & Onuachi to start, then second half should be Iheanacho and Moffi.
Good evening, irrespective of the fact that osimen missed the glorious chance, I am of the opinion that he starts along side Paul onuachu. and then after 60/65 mins, a substitution can be made by bringing in kelechi or Moffi. The game against the elephants is a “must win” for nigeria. . I believe they would deliver.
What kind of headline is this – would England drop Kane if he scored and missed . If he was not In Those positions he would not miss – top striker has to play it’s not even a question to ask
Very funny question to ask. Which sane coach would not start Osimhen?
Oshimen “MUST” start that match because he is unarguably still our best striker. I guess pairing him with any of the others would be superb. Our Coach Peseiro has a problem with pairing our attackers for optimum performance. Oshimen can run around with Onuachu/Iheanacho stationed always in the box or near it to finish off loose balls from Oshimen. The other option is for Oshimen to remain in the box with Moffi running in with the midfielders and wing backs when attack is in progress. Peseiro has all the legs he needs for us to score the goals but he seems incapable of positioning our attackers properly to achieve maximum results. Peseiro should please play Moses Simon on the left flank not on the right flank as he used him in our last game. He should use his brain. A good display by the Super Eagles will increase his own market value as a coach of repute. Cote D’ivoire is beatable‼️ Very beatable‼️‼️
I was surprised to see Moses playing from the right instead of the left. The host team is beatable, you only need a coach who knows tactics to do it. Nigeria should play the Elephants attacking from the wings for tall Osinmhen and Onuachito to do damage with their heads and legs. Kelechi, Yusuf and Iwobi can handle the mid-field for the Super Eagles. I’ve never seen an Elephant soar above the Eagle. Go Nigeria, go!
oga writer… don’t ask such question again, please.
In your position, there are better sport writers than you. Why haven’t your company put you on the side?
Past, more experienced and better strikers had missed glorious opportunities before Osimehen. It is part of the game!
Let the carpenter you call coach pair Osimehen with another striker. Tell our midfielders to shoot at goals from outside the box, our wingers to cross to strikers at every opportunity they get. Only then Nigeria will go far in the tournament…