Four key decisions facing Jose Peseiro ahead AFCONQ against Guinea-Bissau

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro and his technical team will be plotting the downfall of Guinea-Bissau in Friday and next Monday's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

Two wins over the two legs will ensure that the team qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast

So ahead of the game at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, what are the decisions from the Portuguese tactician that could shape the outcome of the matches? 

1. Who partners Ndidi in defensive midfield? 

One of the questions retrospectively facing Peseiro is the identity of the defensive midfield partner for Leicester City star, Wilfred Ndidi. 

Peseiro has invited the trio of Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Frank Onyeka in that position as they join creative midfielder, Alex Iwobi as the only players from the middle of the pack who made the cut. 

The question is, who plays with Ndidi in the often utilized 4-4-2 formation. 

Ndidi, barring any last-minute injury, is sure to start in both games and would work with a teammate to shield the central defensive areas. 

2. Does Musa start?

The invitation to the Super Eagles of captain Ahmed Musa is one that did not sit well with most Nigerian fans who were keen to see a new breed of players rise. 

It seemed that Peseiro's heart was made to invite Ahmed Musa for the games and it is for a smart reason that the former CSKA Moscow and Leicester City winger remains a good part of the plan. 

Peseiro is relatively new to the team and he would need a voice in the dressing room that the players can listen to. 

3. Who is second choice goalie to Uzoho?

The team have two home-based goalkeepers, Victor Sochima and Chijioke Aniagboso in the team to face Guinea-Bissau following the exclusion of Maduka Okoye. 

Sochima has done exceedingly well for Rivers United who are campaigning in the CAF Champions League while Aniagboso impressed at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

4.. What is the Eagles' tactical game plan? 

The team is expected to lineup in a 4-4-2 formation on Friday.  The Portuguese also tested three at the back in Wednesday's workout. 

However, the coaching crew led by Peseiro must have an alternative means to win games should the opposition negate the efforts of the Super Eagles. 

How do they react if things don't go the way they expected? 

Remember, the team were pegged back to a 4-4 draw by Sierra Leone in a qualifying game under former boss, Gernot Rohr. 

This is something that Peseiro must reflect upon, on Friday and beyond. 

Izuchukwu Michael

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