Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, called up nine AFCON debutants in his squad for the forthcoming continental showpiece in Ivory Coast. PUNCH Sports Extra’s PETER AKINBO analyses each AFCON first-timer in the side eyeing a fourth AFCON title
Calvin Bassey
It’s been a mixed season for Bassey with Fulham this season but his performances for the Cottagers was enough to convince Peseiro to hand the defender a spot on the team.
The defender will hope to give a good account of himself at his first AFCON with the national team in a tricky Group A.
The 23-year-old has been heavily criticised for his underwhelming performance for the Eagles but now he has a chance to prove his doubters wrong in Abidjan.
Bassey has been a regular for Fulham this campaign and has made 17 appearances for the Cottagers and most notably sacrificed himself and picked up a red card in a match against Arsenal as they earned a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
Ademola Lookman
Lookman’s skillful and creative style of play has been a highlight in Italy for Atalanta, where he has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 18 Serie A appearances this season.
His inclusion in the Eagles squad adds versatility and attacking flair to the team’s forward line and he will be keen to add to his goal tally for Nigeria. In the pre-tournament friendly against Saudi side, Al Gharbi, on Sunday, the winger scored four goals for the Eagles as they claimed a convincing 12-0 win.
Terem Moffi
Moffi was called up to the Eagles squad as a replacement for the injured Victor Boniface on Tuesday. Moffi made his international debut in June 2021, scoring four goals in 14 games, but had initially failed to make the cut in coach Jose Peseiro’s side despite his six goals for Nice since the start of the season.
The 24-year-old has been pivotal for OGC Nice in the Ligue 1 this season as he bagged a brace against PSG on September 15 scoring the winner in the 3-2 victory.
Raphael Onyedika
Onyedika has been earning comparisons to France W’Cup winner Paul Pogba since last year and the 22-year-old versatile midfielder brings his skill and creativity to the Eagles squad.
He made his national team debut on September 27, 2022 and has since made three appearances for the Super Eagles while providing one assist.
Since joining Club Brugge in August 2022, Onyedika has made 72 appearances across all competitions for the Belgian club scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Alhassan Yusuf
Another Nigerian plying his trade for a Belgian side, Yusuf of Royal Antwerp is not only an AFCON newcomer but also a Super Eagles new boy. Yusuf was a last minute replacement for injured Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and the midfielder can make a name for himself at the competition.