The FPL Manual shares his thoughts on Group A rivals Nigeria for AFCON Fantasy. Sharing insights on the nation’s road to AFCON 2023, probable team lineup and best fantasy assets to consider
Team Profile
Name – Nigeria
Nickname – Super Eagles
Current World ranking – 42nd (6th in Africa)
Nigeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations 3 times (1980, 1994 and 2013), and finished runner-ups three times. The Super Eagles had a great performance back in AFCON 2021 topping then group D with 9 points, however this success was short-lived after being knocked out by Tunisia in the Round of 16.
Nigeria’s Road to AFCON
Nigeria’s journey to AFCON 2023 started back in June 2022 with a strong 2-1 home win against Sierra Leone and ended with a 6-0 win at home to Sao Tome and Principle. The Super Eagles were fantastic in Group A (5 wins, 1 loss) scoring 22 goals and conceding only four goals.
Nigeria’s Top AFCON Qualifier Scorers
- Victor Osimhen – 10
- Moses Simon, Terem Moffi – 2
- Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman and Peter Etebo – 1
Osimhen was the standout player for the Super Eagles for the Qualifiers and is the designated pen-taker.
Nigeria Team News
Below is the Official Super Eagles National Team list for AFCON 2023.
Dropped players: A Adeleye, J Collins, J Torunarigha, O Dele-Bashiru, O Amas, K Nwakali, N Tella, and Terem Moffi are but a few names that were excluded to arrive at a final 25-man list. Taiwo Awoniyi misses out due to a groin injury.
Probable lineup: Since his official appointment on 15/5/2022. The gaffer Jose Peseiro uses either a 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 shape, however, it is the 4-4-2 formation that has been the most consistent and successful formation for the Super Eagles.
Before I reel out the fantasy picks, let me explain a few things:
- Despite impressive club form, Victor Boniface has not earned the gaffer’s trust to be a regular.
- Kelechi Iheanacho sometimes plays out as a right winger and takes a few set pieces.
- Zaidu Sanusi has not started at LB since June.
Best Nigerian AFCON Fantasy Assets
Nailed Players
Victor Osimhen 11.5m, Moses Simon 8.5m, Alex Iwobi 7.5m, Ndidi 5.5m
Fairly Nailed (play 70+ mins or start 2/3 group games)
Samuel Chukwueze 8m, Kelechi Iheanacho 6.5m
Rotation Risk
Ademola Lookman 9.5m, Z Sanusi 4.5m
Note: Aina and Osayi-Samuel are fighting for the RB spot.
Conclusion
The Super Eagles have a dominant attacking force with a top AFCON qualifier scorer and with now-crowned CAF Player of the Year Victor Osimhen spearing the attack. Heading to Abidjan, The sky is the limit for Nigeria.
You can find additional AFCON 2024 Fantasy resources here.
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