Nigeria will face Angola in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with both teams aiming for continental glory.
Angola, brimming with confidence after defeating Namibia, Burkina Faso and Mauritania, will have to face a tough challenge from the three-time AFCON winners.
Both teams adopted similar tactical approaches in the tournament, preferring low blocks and leaving the ball to their opponents for counter-attacking opportunities.
However, one team has to take the initiative in the match and all signs point to Nigeria strutting their style in the match.
Here is Nigeria’s lineup that could snatch victory from Angola:
Goalkeeper
Stanley Nwabari, the epitome of poise and charisma when scoring for Nigeria, will undergo a late fitness test to retain his key role.
His presence will strengthen the defense and give Super Eagles more confidence.
If Nwabali is absent, Francis Uzoho is likely to take his place.
Defence
Nigeria have been known to use a 3-4-3 formation lately, but they may switch to a traditional 4-3-3 formation against Angola.
Defensively, the combination of Semi Ajayi, who has an outstanding performance, and William Troost-Ekong, who has a confident presence, is the preferred central defender.
Ola Aina, one of AFCON’s outstanding full-backs, is ready to perform again at right-back, while Calvin Bassey overtakes Zaidu Sanusi as Nigeria’s best left-back It solidifies the claim.
Midfield
Midfield control is crucial for Nigeria and the duo of Alhassan Yusuf and Frank Onyeka showed courage to dominate against Angola.
With Yusuf returning from injury and Onyeka in top form, the midfield duo can be expected to set the pace and influence the result.
Alex Iwobi will be responsible for coordinating Nigeria’s attack, adding another layer to the Super Eagles’ strategy.
Attack
Although Ivory Coast’s goal tally was modest, Nigeria boasted the most fearsome attack of the tournament.
Victor Osimhen, the reigning African soccer player of the year, is in the lead.
Osimhen wants to score more goals and is linking seamlessly with Ademola Lookman, who scored the memorable second goal against Cameroon.
The third point of attack presents a dilemma as Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are under surveillance.
Chukwueze will start and use his tricks, hoping for a threatening counterattack.
Overall, the Super Eagles should go into the quarterfinals against Angola with a calculated game plan and be ready to defeat Palancas Negras and move one step closer to AFCON glory.
Probable lineup
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