Nigeria will begin its 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Egypt on Tuesday. It has been confirmed that talismanic figure Victor Osimhen will miss the tournament in Cameroon as he has headed back to Italy today after testing negative for Covid-19. Odion Ighalo and Paul Onuachu will also both sit out the event for varying reasons.
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The absence of the aforementioned trio has left the Super Eagles a little light in the striking position. Here is a list of players who must step up and make their mark.
1. Kelechi Iheanacho
Iheanacho is the most experienced player on this list with 38 caps and 11 goals to his name. The Leicester City forward was heavily involved in the qualifying phase and now he has the chance to lead the Super Eagles attack in the absence of Osimhen, Ighalo, and the much-maligned Onuachu.
Although not an out-and-out striker, Iheanacho versatility means he can play up top as a lone striker, behind a striker, or on the flanks. He has to step up in the absence of his striker partners and do what’s expected of him, to score goals.
2. Taiwo Awoniyi
Awoniyi is Nigeria’s leading scorer in Europe’s top five leagues this season with 9 goals in the Bundesliga for Hertha Berlin. Awoniyi made his senior national team debut last October and will be looking to make his mark when Nigeria begins their AFCON campaign on Tuesday.
The absence of the more experienced forwards means he along with Sadiq Umar are the only out-and-out strikers present at Austine Eguavoen’s disposal. Awoniyi has a real chance to spearhead Nigeria’s attack in Cameroon. Of course, he has to transfer his club form to the national scene for that to happen.
3. Sadiq Umar
Umar is yet to make his Super Eagles debut. The Almeria star is an interesting player. He has a different skill-set from what Nigeria currently has in the no. 9 position. He is elegant, skillful, and has the pace to burn despite his build.
Umar will be hoping to feature more than he’d expected with the current choice Eguavoen has to do with. He will have to bring his a-game whenever he is called upon.
