José Peceiro can only include 27 out of 40 players in his provisional squad, with some players guaranteed to feature< /p>
Director Jose Peseiro has named a 40-man provisional squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations, scheduled to be held in Ivory Coast next January.
Peseiro will have a hard time choosing the best team for Nigeria as there are many quality players in the team. However, some players have secured their place in the team due to Peseiro’s preferences and good qualities.
Soccernet.ng envisions 10 players who could make the final 27-man squad.
Francis Uzoho
Uzoho is perhaps the most criticized player in the team due to his consistent mistakes that have cost the Super Eagles in the past.
However, Omonia appears to be one of Peseiro’s trusted lieutenants, as the Portuguese tactician stuck with Uzoho despite his mistakes. And with AFCON just days away, it is unlikely that Peseiro will stick with the 25-year-old goalkeeper.
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Osai-Samuel has had a great season with Fenerbahce this season and has been a revelation since making his debut with the Super Eagles in 2022.
The 25-year-old full-back is a breath of fresh air in Nigeria’s right-back position and could well be the first choice to replace Ola Aina.
Calvin Bassey
After the Oyingbo wall was finally abolished, Bassey took over one of the vacant central defender positions. The Fulham star has shown considerable resilience in recent games, but there is still plenty of work to do.
He is currently one of the best defenders in the team and his place in Ivory Coast appears to have already been secured.
Kenneth Omeruo
Kasimpasa is one of the most experienced players on the team. He is the only player to win an AFCON title. Peseiro will therefore rely on his extensive experience.
At club level, Omeruo has played 16 games in the Turkish Super League, with good results.
Wilfred Ndidi
Ndidi is one of Peseiro’s regular players due to his obvious qualities. He is one of the best defensive midfielders in Africa and it would be a travesty not to include him in the team.
Ndidi has extensive experience playing in the Nations Cup and the World Cup. The 27-year-old has made 20 appearances for Leicester City this season, scoring two goals and providing five assists.
Alex Iwobi
Fulham’s star is the team’s most creative midfielder, even if he hasn’t been doing so consistently. Despite this, Iwobi was a regular under coach Peseiro, so it would be surprising if he was not selected for the AFCON squad.
Ahmed Musa
Musa is also an experienced leader of the team. He has played in the Nations Cup and World Cup in the past, and although he hasn’t played much lately, he could still make the team.
The tournament in Ivory Coast could be the last AFCON for Nigeria.
Moses Simon
The Nantes player is also one of the most experienced players in Nigeria. He has played against the best players in the world in his AFCONs.
Simon has also been in good form at club level, scoring three goals and providing five assists in 17 Ligue 1 games. Lately, Peseiro has favored look-men on the left side of Nigeria’s attack, but Simon is a better dribbler and could put the maroon under fire if needed.
Victor Boniface
Boniface is currently one of the hottest strikers in the world and Peseiro wants to make his mark on the national team. There are few strikers as good and dynamic as Boniface. Moreover, Peseiro, who has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 17 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen this season, would have a lot of explaining to do if he were to ignore Bonifatius.
Victor Osimhen
The first name that should be on the list of Peseiro is definitely the Naples Talisman. The 24-year-old striker is Nigeria’s biggest star and best striker. So, to have a chance of winning a medal, you have to be in the Nigeria squad.
