The Super Eagles camp was completely packed on Wednesday. The invited players for the qualifier against Sierra Leone on Sunday have all arrived and are preparing.
This indicates that Victor Osimhen of Napoli, who helped the Serie A team win its first Scudetto in 33 years, is fully ready. The same way Taiwo Awoniyi prevented Nottingham Forest from being demoted from the Premier League on his own.
It is predicted that they will score the goals necessary to defeat the Leone Stars.
“I think Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi and Taiwo Awoniyi will definitely shine.
“Divine Nwachukwu, as well. He will surprise people if he gets enough playing time. I am sure of it,” Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster said.
There is everything to play for in Nigeria.
Following their 1-0 victory over Sao Tome & Principe, Guinea Bissau has risen to the top of Group A.
After five games, they now have 10 points, one point more than Jose Peseiro’s team.
If Nigeria defeats Sierra Leone in the other group game on Sunday, they would be guaranteed a spot in their fourth straight AFCON.
Nigerian athletes, who have previously been accused of underperforming in the green-white-green, are faced with a difficulty because of this.
In McDubus’ opinion, it is not that straightforward.
“Many things make it harder to perform in national team football- less time training together to build on-pitch chemistry compared to club football, more rigid systems due to the demands of knockout/tournament football, players having to adapt quickly to unfamiliar systems and teammates, amongst other things,” he explains.
“In Nigeria’s case, there is also the lack of a defined playing philosophy, which often leads to too much tinkering.
“On the part of the players, the only real motivation to give your all for the Nigerian national team is passion for the country.
“This is not often as rewarding for players’ careers as performances for their clubs, where they get paid well and where injuries are handled more professionally. Going the extra mile for the national side has its risks, and players may choose to give only bare minimum and avoid these risks,” he added.
