October 25, (THEWILL) – The Super Eagles endured a disappointing campaign at the last international break, winning one, drawing one and losing one in their three matches. The memories of the embarrassing 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau still ring in the minds of passionate Nigerian football fans.
As the next November international break approaches, attention will turn to players who need to raise their performances, following their poor showing in the October international break.
There are five players, who need to step up for the Super Eagles to bounce back from their mixed start to the 2027 Nations Cup qualifiers.
Ademola Lookman
The Atletico Madrid forward, has not had the best of start to the season for club and country. Lookman was one of the most disappointing players for the Super Eagles in the last international window.
In Victor Osimhen’s absence, Lookman was expected to inspire the team, but he struggled to make things happen, making it difficult for the team to shine.
In the first match against Madagascar, Lookman failed to register a shot on target and completed just one dribble before he was hauled off in the second half.
Similarly, in the 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, Lookman also failed to shine before he was replaced by Tolu Arokodare in the 68th minute.
However, Lookman seems to be finding his best form since the last international break. He has scored one goal and recorded one assist for Atletico Madrid.
The former RB Leipzig forward must improve his output in the next international break when Nigeria will face Tanzania in a Nations Cup qualifiers double-header.
Wilfred Ndidi
The Super Eagles captain must step up in the next international window following his poor performances in October.
The defensive midfielder has struggled to replicate his usual all-action display for the Super Eagles in the last few games.
Ndidi’s lack of regular playing time at Besiktas is affecting his output for the Super Eagles. He has started just two matches for the club this season in all competitions.
In the match against Madagascar, The midfield with Ndidi as the anchor man struggled for control despite playing at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Ndidi struggled to provide protection for the defence and also failed to make good use of the ball, causing the team to cede the possession to the opponents.
The former Leicester City midfielder must step up in the next international break for the Super Eagles to return to winning ways.
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Another player who has been below-par for the Super Eagles is Osayi-Samuel, who has failed to show his best quality in the last few games.
He struggled badly against Guinea-Bissau with his lack of defensive awareness and attacking input.
He was at fault for the second and third goals after he failed to track his runner and Mama Baldé’ exploited the space to lash home.
Álvaro Djaló dribbled him inside out before producing a calm finish in the stoppage time.
Osayi-Samuel is fast becoming a liability for the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle must begin to consider playing Ola Aina, who just returned from a long lay-off, regularly.
The Birmingham City defender must improve in the next international break to stand a chance of keeping his place in the team.
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Stanley Nwabali
Nwabali failed to impress after making a return to the Super Eagles since the Nations Cup.
The former Enyimba left his club in January and returned to the club as a free agent in July.
While he was without a club, he was left out of the team, giving Maduka Okoye the opportunity to stake a claim for the number one spot.
Nwabali returned to the Super Eagles for the October international break, but he had an unforgettable performance in the 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
He failed to make any move for the opening goal, he was also static for the second goal, which drew criticisms from football fans. He must improve his concentration and overall performance for the Super Eagles against Tanzania to stand a chance of keeping the goalkeeping spot.
Bruno Onyemaechi
The Olympiacos left-back had an unforgettable day against Guinea-Bissau.
He was at fault for the first goal, allowing Franculino to beat him before unleashing finishing past Nwabali.
He struggled to contain the Guinea-Bissau forwards, while also not contributing to the attack.
Onyemaechi has not shown his best form for Nigeria in the last few games. His performances in the last international window were below-par, He must improve his defensive awareness and attacking contributions to keep his place in the team.
The Super Eagles will face Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Tafia for the second leg, four days later.
Guinea-Bissau are currently leading the pack in Group L with six points, Nigeria are in second with three points, Tanzania and Madagascar have one point apiece.
