The countdown is on for Super Eagles highly anticipated match against world cup-bound Portugal this evening.
With majority of the team heading into the match off the back of good spells from their respective clubs, with confidence seemingly high.
Here is a line up that could appeal with the way the manager of the team wishes to play, having the previous friendly matches in mind, current trend, and what the team might setup to be going forward albeit with the present crop of players in line to play against Portugal tonight.
GK – Maduka Okoye
The goalkeeper has endured a rather torrid time at Watford, that is a huge damning fact, however, everyone can resonate with the natural quality he possess which earned him high praises in Holland.
He should be allowed to grow into the team, as a base of all operations from the back. He definitely looks like one for the future.
Uzoho is a decent goalkeeper, had a good World Cup campaign in 2018, and if we are being honest for an average goalkeeper. To his credit, he he had an important performance against Manchester United in the Europa League and should serve as a good back up in the national team set up.
4-man defence: Bassey-Troost-Akpoguma-Aina
Right Back – Ola Aina/Bright Osayi
This position should be sorted for some time in the Super Eagles as there is enough talent to last the next 6 years at the least.
Ola Aina is a modest right back who is comfortable playing as a wing back as he’s quite comfortable in the attacking phase of things. He also makes good recoveries and is not scared of taking on opposition defence.
Bright Osayi shares similar qualities and is a bright prospect from Fenerbahce, he can offer the team a lot either by starting or in a sub role, but one thing is sure, he would rival Ola Aina for a starter’s shirt.
Left Back – Calvin Bassey
This position is probably the second most competitive in the team at this time, because of the amount of talent load.
Calvin Bassey has been playing as a center back for Ajax, but we saw what manner of master he was for Glasgow Rangers last season. He definitely offers more on the flanks than from the center half role.
He bombs forward just as Zaidu Sanusi and adds more outlets in attack. He has good pace to make his mind blowing recovery tackles.
Sanusi has good qualities as well, but Calvin is younger and possess that extra burst of energy to play the role more effectively for the Porto left back.
Center Backs – Akpoguma & Troost Ekong
With the captain of the side, Troost-Ekong suddenly bossing things in the heart of the defence for Watford. He has shown resurgence and leadership qualities to retain his place in a new system from Jose Peseiro.
Confidence on the ball, good passing range, vocal in communication, no doubt he can compliment the impressive new comer who has been showing good signs in Germany, Kevin Akpoguma.
The two center halves look solid and have a good balance of speed and ruggedness among each other.
3-man midfield base: This department looks really promising for the team, with loads of exciting talent coming through and complimenting each member in the middle of the park. Onyedika-Ndidi-Iwobi
Raphael Onyedika:
Onyedika has been impressive in Belgium and is one of the most exciting talents in European football at the moment which will mean a lot for the Super Eagles at this point in time.
He is a fantastic ball carrier, obviously has to develop but is showing signs of a matured midfielder, it can only get better for the midfielder, and the good thing is, he is one for the future.
He would link up well with Ndidi at the base, which means he does not have to do all the dirty works which would further structure the middle of the park for the Eagles.
Wilfred Ndidi:
Although the defensive midfielder has had a rather quiet season so far, but his quality as a top notch ball winner will never be in contention.
Quite limited, but fantastic in winning possession. He would have no problem in linking up with a ball carrier or a box to box midfielder for him to do all dirty works for between his two partners, and there comes our next man in the middle of the park.
Alex Iwobi:
The midfielder has been really electric for Everton, he has rebirth himself to an exciting player. Fantastic ball carrier, switches from defence to attack in seconds with pace and a good passing range.
Gifted technically, a focal point in the new Super Eagles set up. Iwobi is good on the ball, good vision and can pick an attacking pass.
1-man attacking midfield – Joe Aribo:
Joe Aribo is an attacking threat, dynamic, although has not been at his best this season, neither has Southampton.
Aribo can create something out of nothing and can even play the false 9 role; which would be perfect for isolating two opposing centre backs for the two top strikers to operate and run at.
Does not do too much on the ball, direct passes that cause chaos for defensive systems and creates space for the team to work with.
2-man strike force: Onuachu-Moffi
Paul Onuachu:
This hit man has found his form again after a rather slow start to the season in Belgium. He has however picked the perfect time to pick form and has been really good, so much so that the fans expect him to score in every game – his XG rating confirms same.
Terem Moffi:
The striker certainly picked off where he stopped last season and has probably even done better. He is a couple of goals off pace with Neymar and Mbappe on the top scorer’s chart in Ligue 1.
With Victor Osimhen out of contention for the match tonight, Moffi is odds on favorite to partner Onuachu upfront.
