Five attributes Onuachu will bring to Super Eagles after replacing Sadiq in AFCON squad 

Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has decided to hand a call-up to Trabzonspor marksman Paul Onuachu due to the injury suffered by Real Sociedad's Sadiq Umar.

The former Racing Genk hitman presents a unique proposition that thrust him into Peseiro's AFCON 2023 plans given his range of tactical attributes.

Here are five key attributes that the 2019 AFCON bronze medalist will offer the Portugese gaffer tactically:

1. Target Man presence and imposing physical stature

Onuachu's most obvious asset, his sheer physical stature makes him an aerial menace defenders detest facing.

Aerially dominant with accuracy heading on goal or to link play with knockdowns, Onuachu offers a direct threat and secondary playmaker supplying through balls.

His reach and leap enables Nigeria to change the point of attack rapidly. 

2. Link play proficiency

Despite his towering frame, Onuachu's ability to control and distribute to feet belies his size. Supremely comfortable receiving and releasing in tight spaces, Onuachu moves play quickly to supply runners beyond him or turn to face up himself.

Technique refined receiving with his back to goal makes him the perfect midfield link to unlock compact defenses.

3. Penalty box predator

While capable of contributing from deeper zones, Onuachu makes his living occupying central channels on the shoulder of defenses.

Always lurking for flick-ons or rebounds, his anticipation, reactions and clinical finishing inside the box means half chances often hit the target when Onuachu lurks.

4. Set piece threat

Even on an off day, Onuachu's sheer height presents constant problems from dead balls. Capable conjuring bullet headers or delicate glances he can redirect either past keepers or onto teammates' paths, Onuachu ensures Nigeria carries chronic danger on corners and free kicks.

5. Tactical variety

Capable of leading the line or supplying runners, Onuachu fits into myriad formations as a lone striker or alongside a partner.

His versatility means Peseiro can alter in-game strategies without needing a substitution by tweaking Onuachu's role and partnerships. 

After inconsistency hindered recent opportunities, the Southampton loanee appears primed to unleash his athletic gifts to torment AFCON defenses.

With Peseiro's penchant to tinker tactically, the Genk striker's multifaceted profile offers intriguing options for the Super Eagles and beyond.

Ejim Kaycee

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