The Super Eagles had a less-than-ideal start to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after they only managed to secure a 1-1 against Equatorial Guinea in their Group A opener in Abidjan on Sunday.
The result was more disappointing because it was the National Thunder that took the lead before Nigeria responded instantly thanks to reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen.
Two goals came in the first half and the Super Eagles were more or less chasing shadows in the second half as they missed a flurry of chances, something that displeased manager Jose Peseiro.
“I am not happy. I deserved to win, this draw doesn’t suit us. Our team created a lot of chances but we didn’t score. We hope that next time, even with fewer opportunities, we will score. We simply have to improve our finishing,” he said after the game.
Peseiro’s above statement summed up the major problem of the Super Eagles against Equatorial Guinea but it is not just limited to that game but something that has been a recurring theme under the Portuguese tactician since he assumed his role in May 2022.
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Equatorial Guinea open the score and Nigeria catches up quickly with an equalizer as both teams share the points of the game. ????#NGAGNQ | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @Football2Gether
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2024
Nigeria is filled with names that can pose a serious attacking threat to any team. The current squad boasts of names like Ademola Lookman, Terem Moffi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi, and Joe Aribo, not also forgetting that Victor Boniface and Umar Sadiq were initially in the squad but withdrew due to injury.
All these men play at top level for their respective club sides in Europe but for whatever reason, they fail to replicate it when it matters the most for the national team.
It has left Osimhen being the only one who offers a genuine threat upfront while the rest are largely ineffectual. With the hopes of winning a fourth AFCON title, Nigeria’s fate cannot lie in only one man.
It poses a serious problem to the team if, for instance, he has less than eventful time on the pitch.
It is not as though Osimhen gives his 100% each time he is on the pitch. He is often found wanting and also missing opportunities he should be converting as was witnessed against the Equatorial Guineans.
Of course, there are issues over a lack of creativity in midfield owing to how light the team is in that area but it still does not stop the offensive-minded players from being more clinical when clearcut chances are presented in front of them.
It is, therefore, pertinent that other attacking options in the Super Eagles rise to the occasion rather than rely on Osimhen for the goals.
Peseiro has pointed out that finishing needs to improve and if it does not, Nigeria could be smiling at a potential early AFCON exit which will be sad for the passionate fans to see.
It will also put more scrutiny on Peseiro’s ability to effectively take charge of the team with some fans regularly screaming for his dismissal. The ball is left in the court of Nigeria’s forwards and attacking players to do the barest minimum required of them.
There have already been upsetting results at AFCON 2023 with Lusophone nations Mozambique and Cape Verde getting results over Egypt and Ghana who share a combined 11 AFCON titles.
Nigeria can also not afford another underwhelming performance and result with hosts Ivory Coast to come next, a game that could determine their tournament fate.
All eyes will be on the Super Eagles attack and not just Osimhen on Thursday as Nigerians eagerly wait to see if they have improved on their finishing when they file out at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe to tackle the Elephants of Ivory Coast.
