AFCON 2023: Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea – Who should Jose Peseiro start?

By Wale Mustapha

Nigeria’s senior national team will begin the quest for their fourth African Cup of Nations title on Sunday, with a clash against Equatorial Guinea with much expectations from the country’s soccer faithful in Abidjan.

Coach Jose Peseiro will be leading the Super Eagles to his first AFCON outing as a coach and with arrays of stars at his disposal even in the face of few setbacks as a result of injuries to few notable members of the squad.

The Portuguese tactician will be spoil for selection among his rich squad as it is important to start the tournament with a victory hence the need to select the best legs among the players.

Here is how Nigeriafootball.ng believe Peseiro will set out his first XI against the Nzalang Nationale:

Despite the barrages of criticisms on the Omonia goalkeeper, he still looked more experienced among the three keepers in the team and will definitely be handed the starting berth.

Jose Peseiro make use of this set in most of Nigeria’s qualifying matches except on few occasions where Osayi-Samuel will replace Aina end Saidu Zanusi will come at the left back in place of Bruno.

But it look mote certain that he will keep faith that usual set up in defense with William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo being deputies for centre backs.

With the absence of Wilfred Ndidi due to injury, the duo of Frank Onyeka and Yusuf Alhassan will get the nod to form the fulcrum of the team.

While Onyeka will sit deep to help the defense, Alhassan has the ability to operate dual role of clearing the danger and support attack.

This trio will be very key to how Super Eagles will get past the Guineans as there’s need for them to creative, fast in thinking and decisive.

With the duo of Musa and Lookman operating on the flank for Super Eagles, Victor Osimhen is sure of enough deliveries to his path as both players are perfect with crosses.

Iwobi will as well help to unlock the opposition’s defense with his piercing passes from the middle or locate any of the wingers to get the job done.

The Napoli striker is used to be the lone ranger in the attack and this will not be new to him.

He will only need the midfielders to field him with much balls while finding his way to the opponent’s box.

In all, with every department be at it’s best, the Super Eagles are expected to record a convincing victory against the Guineans.

Here is how Peseiro’s team will look like against Equatorial Guinea with 4-2-3-1 formation:

Francis Uzoho

Ola Aina

Bruno Onyeamachi

Semi Ajayi

Calvin Bassey

Frank Onyeka

Yusuf Alhassan

Ahmed Musa

Alex Iwobi

Ademola Lookman

Victor Osimhen