Aina or Osayi-Samuel: Who should start at RB for the Super Eagles at 2023 AFCON?

A tough task awaits Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro concerning Nigeria's right-back berth heading into the pressure cooker of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Surprisingly, this is one position that lacks depth going into the biennial tournament and could be a source of worry to fans and pundits alike as the tournament fast approaches.

Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel offer tantalizing talents but require sharply contrasting approaches to handle tournament intensity.

Aina projects a more versatile option - a full-back capable of running into spaces to create scoring chances for his target men in a traditional back four.

Meanwhile, winger converted to right full-back/wingback Osayi-Samuel oozes attacking adventure suited to a more modern full-back unleashed in a back three or five.

Peseiro's right back selection will give clues into whether his Eagles will fly forward with reckless abandon or adopt a more risk-averse posture in pursuit of AFCON glory.

As the Portuguese plots his game plan for the tournament, here is a brief assessment of Aina and Osayi-Samuel dictating play from the right channel:

Ola Aina

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

Boasting a decent amount of pace with or without the ball, the 27-year-old poses threats offensively while boasting pace to recover defensively.

Despite his versatility and reliability on either flank, The Chelsea Academy graduate rarely specializes effectively in one area enough to dominate matches.

However, his experience is noteworthy having represented Nigeria at the 2019 and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations respectively.

Furthermore, his defensive attributes on the international stage for the three time African kings might give him the edge over his compatriot, for a starting shirt in Peseiro's team for the tournament.

Bright Osayi-Samuel

Converted from a right-midfielder, Bright Osayi-Samuel embodies the modern full-back tasked as much with attacking as defending.

Comfortable receiving in tight spaces, Osayi-Samuel possesses close control, dribbling and incisive passing to initiate attacks.

Overlapping frequently to stretch play wide and swing in dangerous crosses is one of Osayi-Samuel's greatest attributes.

Though unproven defensively at international level, his recovery pace cannot be questioned.

If Peseiro wants his Eagles taking the game to each opponent, Osayi-Samuel forward thrusts could pay dividends.

Nonetheless, his lack of seasoning defending in areas Aina patrols routinely could be exposed by the unforgiving tournament setting.

So will Peseiro adopt a fleet-footed, offensive player by deploying Osayi-Samuel? Or install Aina's defensive versatility to release attackers?

The Super Eagles right back decision surely ranks among Peseiro's most critical riddles to solve ahead of their AFCON opener, setting the tone for Nigeria's overall approach.

Ejim Kaycee

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