At least six members of the Super Eagles squad presently vying for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Cote d’ Ivoire are yet to feature in a single match even as only two matches are left to conclude the continental showpiece.
A look at the Super Eagles team sheets from the group stage to their quarter-final victory against Angola, shows that one goalkeeper, two defenders, and three strikers are yet to play any role in the team’s success so far in Cote d’Ivoire.
The duo of Paul Onuachu and Raphael Onyedika has escaped this unwanted record with their brief appearances. While the lanky Onuachu has made four brief appearances as substitute in two group matches (Equatorial Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire) and two knockout ties against Cameroon and Angola, Onyedika appeared only once against Guinea Bissau when he came on for Frank Onyeka.
Daily Trust unveils the six Super Eagles stars who may not taste action at the 2023 AFCON, if the three-time champions fail to soar over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semi-final clash this evening at Stade Bouake.
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Olorunleke Ojo– It is not a surprise that the Enyimba FC of Aba goalkeeper is a permanent benchwarmer in Cote d’Ivoire because even before the start of the tournament, it was obvious that Francis Uzoho would deputise for Nwabali, if the Chippa man performs satisfactorily. Even Uzoho who was the number one keeper before the 2023 AFCON is now playing second fiddle to Nwabali so there is no hope for Ojo in Cote d’Ivoire.
Bruno Onyemaechi– The youngster from Boavista FC arrived made his debut in 2023 in the 6-0 thrashing of Sao Tome and Principe en route the ongoing AFCON showed clear intention to wrestle the left back position from Sanusi Zaidu but in Cote d’ Ivoire, he is one of the men on the bench. It is most unlikely that his AFCON journey will start in Cote d’Ivoire because even when Zaidu is not available, ‘Mr Utility’ Calvin Bassey, comes in handy.
Chidozie Awaziem– With the way Nottingham Forest’s man, Ola Aina is playing, there is no faint chance for the Boavista FC of Portugal, defender to smell action. The former El-Kanemi Warriors player who is on loan at Hadjuk Split in Croatia has played only once for the Super Eagles in 2024. Capped 31 times, Awaziem’s search for more caps may not materialise in Cote d’Ivoire because in five matches played so far, he has not come close to being subbed on.
Terem Moffi– When the OGC Nice of France striker took the place of the injured Victor Boniface, it was expected he will be deputising for the reigning Africa Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen. Unfortunately he has been watching proceedings from the bench as Onuachu keeps getting Peseiro’s nod.
Kelechi Iheanacho– The Leicester City of England striker was a major doubt before the kickoff due to an injury but he recovered in time to join the squad in Cote’Ivoire. Why one of the most experienced strikers in the team is yet to taste action is baffling. Maybe Peseiro is preserving him for the must-win clash with South Africa.
Ahmed Musa– The lack of playing time for the team’s substantive captain has not come to many as a surprise because not a few Nigerian football fans questioned his inclusion in the squad for the 2023 AFCON. Although Musa who is an AFCON winner in 2013 is the most experienced striker in the team, age is said to be against him and his lack of playing time in his Turkish club, has made things worse for him. Musa who is searching for his 110th cap may have to console himself with the motivational role assigned to him by the NFF and his teammates.
