Onyemaechi, Zaidu or Aina: Who should start at left-back for Super Eagles at 2023 AFCON?

A revolving door has seen Nigeria employ a cast of left-backs over recent years without ever finding a long-term solution since the eras of greats like Ben Iroha and Ifeanyi Udeze.

Coach Jose Peseiro must solve this dilemma or risk an imbalance hampering the Super Eagles' AFCON 2023 ambitions. Three intriguing options now remain in the race - Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi and Ola Aina.

With contrasting qualities presented by each candidate, Peseiro may face a difficult decision on who to trust. Here is a brief assessment of Onyemaechi, Zaidu and Aina as AFCON fast approaches:

Bruno Onyemaechi 

Boavista left-back Onyemaechi offers an enticing middle ground option. Defensively astute, Onyemaechi is comfortable overlapping in attack or sitting deeper in a back four. At 24 years old, he offers prime-age reliability to plug a problem position. 

Although, the concern remains whether Onyemaechi's Portuguese environs have elevated or plateaued his game.

Untested at AFCON level of intensity, Onyemaechi's capabilities remain uncertain and he's also faced with adaptation issues as he has never played at the AFCON.

Zaidu Sanusi

FC Porto's Zaidu Sanusi was the starting left-back at the previous tournament under Austin Eguavoen.

Offering attacking threat going forward, the left-back uses his pace and stamina to bomb up and down flanks. Experienced on the Champions League stage as well as the AFCON 2021, Zaidu cannot be overwhelmed in Cote d'Ivoire. 

Although, Zaidu's attacking adventure leaves gaps behind him or draws silly fouls in danger areas a little too often.

Despite his pedigree, Zaidu has never convinced defensively at international level - a liability Peseiro's planning must account for given AFCON's unforgiving format. 

Ola Aina

Under former manager Genot Rohr, versatile wingback Aina showcased his two-way dynamism deployed on either flank.

Lightning quick with or without the ball, the 27-year-old poses threats offensively while boasting pace to recover defensively.

Despite well-rounded attributes, Aina rarely specializes effectively in one area enough to dominate matches. Prone to lapses in concentration and reckless challenges, Aina's decision making also remains a work in progress.

With contrasting profiles presented by each contender, Peseiro's left back pick will show his hand tactically.

Onyemaechi offers solidity, Zaidu dynamic pace and Aina all-round flexibility fitting Peseiro's aggressive style.

Ejim Kaycee

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