Probable List of 23 to Represent Nigeria at the AFCON: Squad is no Mystery

Barring injuries, Nigeria's Manager Jose Peseiro has given the clue as to the 23-player squad that will represent Nigeria at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). It does not require a mysterious algorithm to come up with a 23-person list. The manager, seeking fluidity to his team, is unlikely to  make significant changes to the squad as the AFCON approaches with less than 2 months to wait.











As many as 18 players are sure to be on the AFCON list. That leaves just five (5) spots unaccounted at this moment. Just 5 places! Those include two that automatically go to goalkeepers. Thus, there are 

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As many as 18 players are sure to be on the AFCON list. That leaves just five (5) spots unaccounted at this moment. Just 5 places! Those include two that automatically go to goalkeepers. 

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realistically only 3 unaccounted spaces for all places. Now, if you include Iheanacho, which is highly likely inclusion, that leaves just two spots for Aribo and others to battle for with Aribo a preferred option at the moment given the paucity of talents at his position.

In essence, Nigeria's squad to the AFCON is virtually known.











This brings us to the academic discussion of a few other players are on the fence because of positional space issues. For instance, there is a limit to number of strikers or defenders that the Manager can name. In this regard, players such as Kelechi Iheanacho, have an assured space given their versatility. I already noted this. While, on the other hand, players like Sadiq Umar face huge challenges because of the lack of versatility. Others such as Jordan Torunarigha and Nathan Tella are faced with little time to impress given their late considerations for the national team. For them, missing the AFCON may not be the end of the world and they will get an opportunity in the World Cup qualifiers that will follow the tournament.

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......players such as Kelechi Iheanacho, have an assured space given their versatility. I already noted this. While, on the other hand, players like Sadiq Umar face huge challenges because of the lack of versatility. Others such as Jordan Torunarigha and Nathan Tella are faced with little time to impress....

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As the time approaches to the AFCON, Nigeria has high hopes and is considered one of the favorites to clinch the trophy that it last won in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi. Yet, it is a far from perfect team with a glaring hole at the goalkeeping position and shortage of worthy personnel in central midfield, especially coming off the bench. Nevertheless, a team does not need to be perfect in order to become Africa's champion.

Peseiro has changed the playing style. It is far more entertaining and with a fluid ball possession focus that has sidelined some regulars like skipper Troost-Ekong whose difficulty with ball possession is well documented. There are still a few others, similar to Ekong, waiting to be axed. However, they may still make it to the AFCON finals and the axe may not fall until much later if Peseiro retains the reins.

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Peseiro has changed the playing style. It is far more entertaining and with a fluid ball possession focus that has sidelined some regulars like skipper Troost-Ekong whose difficulty with ball possession is well documented. There are still a few others, similar to Ekong, waiting to be axed.

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I have listed below 34 players from which a final 23 shall be named for the AFCON. These 34 are drawn from recent call ups by Peseiro and a new call up after this weekend and before the AFCON is very unlikely. The only exception is Gift Orban given his rejuvenation and the fact that Peseiro has previously seen him up close. However, for Orban it will take a camel passing through the needle's eye for him to make the AFCON squad this late in the game. Thus the assignment of a D to his chances is appropriate.












Well, here is the list with the opportunity grade assigned to each player. A represents certainty (barring injury) in making it to the AFCON. An A- grade indicates a player who is in contention and more likely to sneak in. A B grade indicates a player fighting to get into the squad and a sudden upsurge in form to get him a seat to the AFCON. A C grade indicates a player who is fighting for opportunity but unlikely to get in. D grade indicates slim or non-existent chance.


A LIST

GOALKEEPERS

1. Francis Uzoho


DEFENDERS

2. Ola Aina

3. Bruno Onyeamaexhi

4. Bright Osayi-Samuel

5. Zaidu Sanusi

6. Calvin Bassey

7. Semi Ajayi


MIDFIELDERS + WINGERS

8. Raphael Onyedika

9. Wilfred Ndidi

10. Frank Onyeka

11. Alex Iwobi

12. Moses Simon

13. Ademola Lookman

14. Samuel Chukwueze


STRIKERS

15. Victor Osimhen

16. Taiwo Awoniyi

17. Terem Moffi

18. Victor Boniface


A- LIST

19. Chiedozie Awaziem

20. Kenneth Omeruo

21. Joseph Aribo

22.  Kelechi Iheanacho


B LIST

23. Olorunleke Ojo

24. Amas Obasogie

25. Adebayo Adeleye


C LIST

27. Maduka Okoye

28. William Troost-Ekong

29. Jordan Torunarigha

30. Nathan Tella

31. Sadiq Umar


D LIST

32. Tyrone Ebuehi

33. Jamilu Collins

34. Gift Orban

35. Ahmed Musa





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