Fox in the box, midfield general, reliable captain: 3 Super Eagles players who fans should keep an eye on

A vengeance seeking Cameroon side awaits Nigeria in a heavyweight last 16 knockout clash on Saturday.

 

Indomitable Lions manager Rigobert Song has his side purring defensively and is ready to unleash attacking talents like Karl Toko Ekambi to usurp familiar rivals.

 

If the Super Eagles hope to defy a revenge seeking side rallying behind their team, Nigerian hopes may rest with the talents of ever-reliable captain William Troost-Ekong, fox in the box Victor Osimhen and midfield general Frank Onyeka. 

 

On the grandest stage, Nigeria's moment may arrive if this trio shine brightest under the spotlight. Each will be relied upon playing starring roles foiling familiar foes.

 

Allnigeriasoccer.com looks to access each player's ability ahead of Saturday's mouthwatering clash.

 

William Troost-Ekong  

 

While Nigeria boasts gifted attackers, the calming presence and leadership of center back Troost-Ekong cannot be undervalued.

 

Comfortable with both feet and strong aerially, the assured defender will be vital repelling Cameroon's own significant aerial threats.

 

With Toko Ekambi's pace and movement certain to test the concentration of Nigeria's backline, Troost-Ekong's organizational skills marking zones and covering teammates proves pivotal to maintain defensive solidarity.  

 

If Troost-Ekong marshals his back four expertly, the Super Eagles have a platform to contain Cameroon's dexterous creators from wide areas by forcing them central into his zone of control.

 

Victor Osimhen 

 

Nigeria's primary offensive difference maker has been Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen.

 

Osimhen's astute movement into scoring positions, ability to run at defenders as well as his clinical prowess in front of goal presents Nigeria's principle threat putting the ball in Cameroonian nets if his teammates can supply him inside the area. 

 

While the pace of Ademola Lookman stretching opposition back lines aids his clever darting runs into space, Osimhen thrives too linking intuitively with midfielders like Alex Iwobi in tight pockets around the area whilst dropping deep.

 

Frank Onyeka 

 

Patrolling central midfield for the Super Eagles is the emerging presence of Frank Onyeka.

 

The Brentford dynamo brings boundless energy and physicality capable of going toe-to-toe with Cameroon's rugged midfielders.

 

Onyeka couples combative defending and ball winning instincts with an expanding passing range to transition play rapidly once securing possession.

 

If afforded time and space to build up steam through the middle, the assured midfielder backs himself TO take opponents on or pick out dangerous forward passes. 

 

With Cameroon lacking midfield creativity themselves, Onyeka shapes as the potential difference-maker giving Nigeria territorial advantage and sustained possession to unleash their wealth of attacking talents.

 

 

Ejim Kaycee

 

 

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