AFCON 2021 : Four takeaways from Nigeria’s convincing 3-1 win over Sudan :: All Nigeria Soccer

The Super Eagles booked their place in the round of 16 of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon with a 3-1 win against Sudan on Saturday evening.

Izuchukwu Michael presents the four things noted in the match.

1. Awoniyi Makes Case For Post AFCON Chances, Sadiq Disappoints

Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi and UD Almeria’s Umar Sadiq climbed the pecking order of center forwards after the trio of Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis and Odion Ighalo were excluded from the team with their clubs reluctant to release them for the tournament.

While Awoniyi, who scored on Saturday against Sudan and was close to doing so in the game against Egypt, has shown promise with his strength and big heart in front of goal, that has not been the case for Umar Sadiq who has not taken his chances in front of goal. It means Awoniyi should be considered for more opportunities.

2. Musa, Nwakali Should Get More AFCON Chances

Still on the theme of the players who need to prove their places going forward, the duo of Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Nwakali should get more game time in Cameroon.

Misa is the captain but Nwakali who is undoubtedly talented needs more opportunities to convince Austin Eguavoen.

Nwakali, the MVP of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup as Nigeria claimed a fifth shot at the cadet World Cup though has shown what he can bring to the team with a powerful volleyed goal in one of the trainings.

Musa only needs to prove that as an old warhorse he deserves to continue getting his chances at the expense of younger, emerging talents.

3. Okoye Must Be Benched Against Guinea-Bissau

The first choice keeper of the Super Eagles Maduka Okoye had a better game against Egypt than Sudan.

For the sake of competitiveness and and curbing complacency, Francis Uzoho or Daniel Akpeyi need to be goal on Wednesday when the Eagles play Guinea-Bissau.

4. Omeruo, Troost-Ekong Combination Proving Better Than Balogun

The much talked about defensive partnership of Leon Balogun who could not be part of the team due to injury and William Troost Ekong was great but the performance of Kenneth Omeruo in the ongoing Africa of Nations is proving to be a dilemma in waiting for incoming head coach Jose Peseiro.

It will be interesting to see how the new gaffer shuffles the pack.

 

Izuchukwu Michael