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Nigeria Super Eagles cannot afford another slip-up in the FIFA World Cup 2026 African qualifiers when they take-on Zimbabwe.
Nigeria Super Eagles take on the Warriors of Zimbabwe looking for redemption after a stunning slip at home to Lesotho in the FIFA World Cup 26 African qualifiers.
Ahead of that clash in Butare, Rwanda, here are five players (with the hope Nigeria will switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation) coach Jose Peseiro must undoubtedly put in the starting lineup against the South Africans.
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Bruno Onyemaechi (Left Back)
It came as a surprise to this writer that the talented attacking fullback was dropped for the game against Lesotho in Uyo.
Bruno Onyemaechi had been one of Nigeria’s most watchable players in recent Super Eagles matches, with the Portugal-based player and his marauding, overlapping runs and crosses a sight to behold.
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Coach Jose Peseiro may favour Jamilu Collins for whatever reason but for this game against the Warriors of Zimbabwe, Bruno’s dynamic play, versatility, and ability to invert will be needed at left-back.
Moses Simon (Winger)
For a manager who likes to play 4-4-2, it was interesting to see Moses Simon on the bench, with Ademola Lookman preferred against Lesotho.
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Nigeria started to look dangerous after the Nantes man came on just before the hour mark, adding bite and more purpose with his directness to an otherwise dull attack.
The 28-year-old was involved in the build-up to the equaliser by Semi Ajayi as he won the corner that led to the goal.
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At the moment, Lookman has not shown enough to be a starter in the Super Eagles, especially on that left wing. Simon is a constant threat and must start against Zimbabwe.
Raphael Onyedika (Defensive midfielder)
While it took forever for him to be called up, seeing the talented midfielder on the pitch for the Super Eagles is taking even more.
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Raphael Onyedika is in the Super Eagles on merit as one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers in Europe and this has been the case for seasons now.
The 22-year-old is ready to start and play, especially in the absence of the injured Wilfred Ndidi. Known for his quality on the ball, positioning, competence in possession and ability to read the game, Zimbabwe will be a good time to start this baller.
Onyedika should be paired with Frank Onyeka, who has looked different in recent times for Premier League side Brentford, who seems to have given ‘the tank’ a license to attack.
Alex Iwobi (Attacking midfield)
The former Everton man is one of Jose Peseiro’s trusted soldiers in the Super Eagles and that won’t change any time soon.
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Credit to the Portuguese for adding to Iwobi’s current versatility which has seen him excel in the middle third as a central midfielder.
However, it’s time to push Iwobi even further by also deploying a 4–2-3-1 system, with the playmaker in the number 10 role.
With the 26-year-old higher up the pitch, his creativity, vision and ability to link up with forwards will add flair to Nigeria’s attacking play.
Victor Boniface (Striker)
Admittedly, the Bayer Leverkusen superstar had a quiet game, by his standards, against the Crocodiles of Lesotho the last time.
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But Boniface was also involved in some of Nigeria’s brightest moments in the game, especially the miss of the game by Taiwo Awoniyi.
That chance created by the 22-year-old epitomises why he is the contributor-in-chief at his excellent club, Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Boniface has all the qualities on and off the ball to lead the Super Eagles lines on his own in the absence of his namesake and Nigeria’s main man, Victor Osimhen.
These five players bring a combination of experience, skill and flair in their respective positions that can help the Super Eagles refine the dull show that was witnessed in the game against Lesotho.
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As the crucial match approaches, the question is, what will Jose Peseiro do?
But before then, what do you think about this list? Who else should be here but was omitted?
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