AFCON 2023: Who should lead Super Eagles attack vs Cote d’Ivoire?

Nigeria have a plethora of striking options ahead of their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations fixture against the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan on Thursday.

The West African nation needs a victory to keep alive their knockout stage hopes in Group A, and while it seems like a game that would swing in the host’s favor, anything could happen.

With head coach Jose Peseiro’s favorite 4-4-2 formation, only two of the numerous forwards can make the starting lineup.

The players in question are Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Napoli star boy Osimhen is expected to lead the line for the Super Eagles, especially after his goal in the opening match. He is the highest goalscorer on the team, and it would be a travesty if he does not start except for injury.

His pace and dribbling ability make him a threat to any defense, and his eye for goal would be crucial to Nigeria’s success.

As Peseiro likes to use two strikers, there is a high possibility that could deploy a four-man attack, with Atalanta star Ademola Lookman starting on the left side of the attack.

With Terem Moffi’s latest addition to the team, his physicality, and aerial ability make him a dangerous proposition in the opposition box. However, he may struggle to displace Osimhen as the main striker.

Onuachu’s height and aerial ability make him a useful option off the bench, especially after showing flashes of greatness when called upon in the first match. But he is unlikely to make the starting lineup ahead of Osimhen and Moffi.

While he may not be the ideal candidate to lead the Super Eagles attack, Iheanacho’s ability to create chances for others may make him a useful option, especially with Alhassan Yusuf injured and all workload on Alex Iwobi.

In conclusion, Victor Osimhen and Terem Moffi should lead the Super Eagles’ attack against Ivory Coast.

Their pace, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring prowess make them the most potent options upfront.

Nigeria has always struggled to score goals despite the array of attacking talents. Nonetheless, Peseiro would be hoping that his team clicks in Abidjan.