The 2023/24 season has been a transformative one for Nigerian football. A new generation of talented players has emerged, while established stars have continued to shine, creating a dynamic and exciting squad with the potential to achieve great things.
Here, we take a look at the best 11 players from the 2023/24 season who could form the core of a formidable Nigerian national team for years to come:
Goalkeeper:
Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia): Uzoho has been a rock in goal for Omonia Nicosia in the Cypriot First Division, showcasing his athleticism, shot-stopping abilities, and command of his area. His experience and leadership qualities make him the ideal candidate to wear the gloves for the Super Eagles.
Defenders:
Ola Aina (Torino): Aina has enjoyed a strong season with Torino in Serie A, demonstrating his versatility, pace, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His experience in top-level European football makes him a valuable asset to the national team.
Chidozie Awaziem (Hajduk Split): Awaziem has been a consistent performer for Hajduk Split in the Croatian First Football League, showcasing his strength, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game. His composure and leadership qualities make him a reliable presence in the backline.
Kevin Akpoguma (Hoffenheim): Akpoguma has been a key player for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, demonstrating his versatility, composure, and ability to play in multiple defensive positions. His experience and tactical intelligence make him a valuable asset to the national team.
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto): Sanusi has been a dynamic presence for FC Porto in the Primeira Liga, showcasing his pace, attacking instincts, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His energy and enthusiasm make him a valuable asset to the national team.
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City): Ndidi continues to be a dominant force in the midfield for Leicester City in the Premier League, showcasing his tackling ability, interceptions, and ability to break up play. His experience and leadership qualities make him the anchor of the Nigerian midfield.
Joe Aribo (Southampton): Aribo has adapted well to the Premier League with Southampton, showcasing his creativity, passing ability, and ability to drive the team forward. His versatility and tactical intelligence make him a valuable asset to the national team.
Alex Iwobi (Everton): Iwobi has enjoyed a resurgence in form with Everton in the Premier League, showcasing his dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to create chances for himself and his teammates. His experience and leadership qualities make him a key player in the attacking midfield.
Forwards:
Victor Osimhen (Napoli): Osimhen has been a revelation for Napoli in Serie A, showcasing his pace, power, clinical finishing, and ability to hold up the ball. His goalscoring prowess and all-around ability make him the focal point of the Nigerian attack.
Paul Onuachu (Genk): Onuachu has been a prolific goalscorer for Genk in the Belgian Pro League, showcasing his strength, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him a valuable asset to the national team.
David Okereke (Cremonese): Okereke has been a bright spark for Cremonese in Serie A, showcasing his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances for himself and his teammates. His potential and ability to make an impact off the bench make him a valuable asset to the national team.
This best 11 represents a blend of experience, youth, and talent that could propel the Nigerian national team to new heights. With a strong foundation in defense, a dynamic midfield, and a potent attack, this team has the potential to achieve great things in the years to come.
The emergence of new talents like Boniface and Olayinka, along with the continued brilliance of established stars like Osimhen and Ndidi, suggests that the future of Nigerian football is bright. With the right guidance and support, this exciting generation of players could lead the Super Eagles to continental and global glory.
Here are some key takeaways from the analysis of Nigeria’s best 11 for the 2023/24 season:
A new generation of talented players has emerged, creating a dynamic and exciting squad with the potential to achieve great things.
The best 11 represents a blend of experience, youth, and talent that could propel the Nigerian national team to new heights.
The emergence of new talents and the continued brilliance of established stars suggests that the future of Nigerian football is bright.
With the right guidance and support, this exciting generation of players could lead the Super Eagles to continental and global glory.
The future of Nigerian football is in good hands with this talented group of players. With their dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion for the game, they have the potential to write their names into the history books and bring joy to millions of fans across the country and around the world.
