Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu desires more participation in Nigeria's AFCON journey.
Trabzonspor star Paul Onuachu has revealed his desire for more playing time on the field as Nigeria look to secure their fourth AFCON title.
Despite Nigeria's transformation from a disjointed side that struggled to a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in the early stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, they have now emerged as the tournament's top contenders.
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Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro reveals two players Super Eagles miss at AFCON 2023
Jose Peseiro said things have been difficult without two players for Nigeria and the Super Eagles at the AFCON 2023.
Super Eagles' Remarkable Turnaround
Under the leadership of coach Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles have notched up four consecutive victories against formidable opponents, including hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola.
This impressive run has propelled them to the semifinals of the AFCON, where they are set to face South Africa.
Throughout this journey, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been the Super Eagles' preferred center-forward, featuring prominently in all these crucial matches. In contrast, Paul Onuachu has made four appearances from the bench, with limited time on the pitch totaling just five minutes.
Onuachu's Take on the Competition
Onuachu, who joined the Super Eagles AFCON squad as a late addition due to injuries sidelining Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, and Umar Sadiq, acknowledges the intense competition for spots in the national team.
While he yearns for more playing time, he appreciates the level of competition and is committed to meeting the coaching staff's expectations.
"I think it is really competitive in the national team now with my position," Onuachu expressed. "Maybe about two years ago or so, I thought maybe I should have gotten more time. For me, I thought I came in at a struggling time, at a time when people don’t really get to see the best of you.
"When you come in in the second half, the struggle and the pressure, that is there. But right now, I think we have lots of strikers. I’m not being judgmental here; Victor Osimhen is Africa’s best, and Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi are doing good.
"Of course, I am part of it. I have been doing well at my club, Trabzonspor, at the end of the day, and it still comes to the coach to decide. All respect to the strikers. They are doing well, but at the end of the day, it comes to the coach to pick.
"For me, I am very happy and it is an honour to be on the 40-man list. At the end of the day, he chose the 25-man list, and he chose the best."
Nigeria's next challenge awaits as they prepare to face South Africa in the semifinals of the AFCON on Wednesday, February 7.
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