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The Opta's AFCON 2023 pre-tournament analysis as published by BBC Sports, predicted that the African player of the year and Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen will come out as the highest goal scorer of the tournament with at least 10 goals. Well, that's yet to be seen as Osimhen has been very wasteful in the group stage, missing over five begging chances and only managed to score one goal.
Super Eagles are rated to be a vicious attacking side with very dangerous strikers like Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Terem Moffi... Although, the team was a bit depleted by the injury of Victor Boniface and Umar Sadiq, but you still expected the team to score at every move forward.
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Contrary to expectations, the Nigerian strikers have been nothing less than clinical. There success so far may be attributed more to the defenders formidability and their fans are agitated wondering how far the Super Eagles can go being shy of scoring goals?
Ironically, Nigeria qualified as Group A runners up with 7 points and just 3 goals. Among the three goals are an own goal and a penalty kick. They were only able to score one goal during regular play. This ineptitude has began to worry the fans and stakeholders. Nigeria's team need to score if they have the plan of going all the way to the finals and maybe, win the trophy.
Jose Peseiro must find a way to solve this challenge. Maybe, Osimhen should play as a false striker and bring in Kelechi Iheanacho who is more clinical in scoring during big games and deciding moments. Alternatively, Osimhen can be made to play as super-sub, so he can read the game better from the bench, before getting into the game.
Indomitable lions of Cameroon always plan to bully their opponent, so the game against Nigeria will be more of a game of strength and tact. Cameroon are likely to sit back and drag the game to extra time. So a quick strike by Nigeria may just change the tide of the game.
There are likely not to be a lot of opportunities to score, therefore Nigerian strikers need to be more clinical in taking their chances.
