‘5 Nigerian strikers would start for Germany’ — Top journalist decries lack of attacking strength in Germany squad

Can these Nigerian strikers start for Germany? | Imago

FOOTBALL ‘5 Nigerian strikers would start for Germany’ — Top journalist decries lack of attacking strength in Germany squad

‘5 Nigerian strikers would start for Germany’ — Top journalist decries lack of attacking strength in Germany squad

Ayoola Kelechi • 05:55 - 13.09.2023

Nigeria may have overtaken Germany as far as attacking talent goes according to a top journalist

Global audiences are becoming more aware of the talent available in the Super Eagles setup as the Nigerian national team has now become a reference point for what a stacked strikeforce should look like. 

Has Nigeria leapfrogged Germany in attacking talent?

The German national team has struggled in recent years to produce a recognised centre-forward, especially after the retirement of World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose, and many within football circles have noticed the sharp decline in the quality of attacking prospects for Die Mannschaft. 

One such observer is football journalist Zach Lowy, who has lamented the lack of quality in Germany’s attacking options compared to what they had in the past. 

Germany have employed false nines in recent years, with players like Mario Gotze, Thomas Muller, Timo Werner, and lately Kai Havertz employed in the role, but the lack of a traditional centre-forward has not gone unnoticed. 

The seasoned writer noted that it would be worthwhile for Germany to consider calling up some talent from the Super Eagles team, which is overflowing with talent at the tip of the attack. 

Nigerian forwards on fire across Europe

With the likes of Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, Gift Orban, and Chuba Akpom all impressive in various capacities, the claim is hardly unfounded. 

Boniface, who recently completed a move to Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, has lit up the Bundesliga with four goals and two assists in only three matches, making him the most in-form striker in the country. 

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Osimhen’s incredible form over the past year has seen him nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or after a sensational 2022/23 campaign with Napoli that saw him score 31 goals in 39 games in all competitions as the Partenopei lifted the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years. 

Akpom earned a move to Eredivisie heavyweights Ajax this summer after being named the EFL Championship player of the season in the 2022/23 campaign, following a 28-goal season that also saw him clinch the Golden Boot. 

Awoniyi has also scored in seven consecutive Premier League fixtures for Nottingham Forest, including strikes against giants Manchester United and Arsenal, while Orban continues to impress with Gent in the Belgian Pro League and UEFA Europa Conference League, scoring six goals in nine appearances to add to the 20 goals in 22 appearances he managed in the second half of last season. 

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Tags:
Germany Nigeria Victor Osimhen Taiwo Awoniyi Gift Orban Victor Okoh Boniface