Nigeria emerge favourites to win AFCON 2024 with these brilliant players

Nigeria is one of the favourites to win the AFCON 2024, thanks to its talented squad of players who have been shining in Europe’s top leagues. As the last-16 stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations gets underway today, here are some of the best Nigerian players who will be representing their country in the Ivory Coast.

– Victor Osimhen: The Napoli striker was voted the best African player of the year at the 2023 CAF Awards, after leading his club to a historic Serie A title. He has scored 20 goals in 28 appearances for Nigeria and is the main threat for any defence .

– Ahmed Musa: The veteran winger is the most capped player in Nigeria’s history, with 113 appearances and 19 goals. He plays for Sivasspor in Turkey and brings his experience and leadership to the team.

– Wilfred Ndidi: The Leicester City midfielder is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, with his ability to break up play and start attacks. He has been a key player for Nigeria since his debut in 2015 and has 41 caps and two goals.

-Samuel Chukwueze: The AC Milan winger is a tricky and pacey player who can create chances and score goals. He joined the Italian giants from Villarreal in 2023 and has been impressive in his first season. He has 25 caps and four goals for Nigeria.

-Alex Iwobi: The Fulham midfielder is a versatile and creative player who can play in different positions. He joined the London club from Everton in 2023 and has been a regular starter. He is the nephew of Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha and has 54 caps and nine goals for Nigeria.

With Ghana, Tunisia and Algeria gone the stage is set for some surprise faces to reach the latter stages, and Angola are into the AFCON quarter-finals after beating Namibia 3-0.

They will next face either Nigeria, who beat Cameroon 2-0 later today.

On Sunday, it is the turn of high-flying Equatorial Guinea, who take on Guinea, before Egypt and DR Congo face off having both reached the knockouts without winning a single group game.

The tournament trend so far places more emphasis on Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen, who has 20 goals in 28 caps but missed Nigeria’s November internationals with a hamstring problem.

Full Line-up

Position No. Player Club
GK Francis Uzoho Omonia (CYP)
GK Stanley Nwabili Chippa United (RSA)
GK Olorunleke Ojo Enyimba (NGR)
DEF William Troost Ekong PAOK (GRE)
DEF Kenneth Omeruo Kasimpasa (TUR)
DEF Chidozie Awaziem Boavista (POR)
DEF Ola Aina Nottingham Forest (ENG)
DEF Semi Ajayi West Brom (ENG)
DEF Zaidu Sanusi Porto (POR)
DEF Calvin Bassey Fulham (ENG)
DEF Bright Osayi-Samuel Fenerbahce (TUR)
DEF Bruno Onyemaechi Boavista (POR)
MID Alex Iwobi Fulham (ENG)
MID Joe Aribo Southampton (ENG)
MID Frank Onyeka Brentford (ENG)
MID Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge (BEL)
MID Alhassan Yusuf Antwerp (BEL)
FWD Ahmed Musa Sivasspor (TUR)
FWD Moses Simon Nantes (FRA)
FWD Kelechi Iheanacho Leicester City (ENG)
FWD Samuel Chukwueze AC Milan (ITA)
FWD Victor Osimhen Napoli (ITA)
FWD Ademola Lookman Atalanta (ITA)
FWD Umar Sadiq Real Sociedad (SPA)
Nigeria AFCON 2023 fixtures and results

Nigeria was drawn in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, whom they have defeated to occupy thre top spot.

The Super Eagles began their campaign against Equatorial Guinea and concluded the round-robin stage versus Guinea-Bissau.

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