AFCON 2021: 5 Things Eguavoen and Super Eagles Must Do To Beat Sudan

By Olamide Oyetunji - Nigeria will face the Sudanese national team nicknamed "Falcons of Jedaine" in the second round of matches in Group D of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon. Still basking in the euphoria of the 1-0 victory over the Pharaohs of Egypt, Super Eagles of Nigeria must now shift attention to their second match of the competition and victory could be ensured by taking some of the five ideas to be explained below;

1. The strikers must convert their chances: With Nigerians still delighted by the result of the opening game, the strikers should be doing better as numerous chances were wasted and such wastage could cost the team against any potent team. Higher conversion rate will serve as morale booster to the defence as a unit.

2. Moses Simon should improve his final ball: As enterprising as he was in the game against Egypt where many labelled him the Man of the Match, Moses Simon delivered an inch perfect cross just once, a move which resulted in the solitary goal scored by Kelechi Iheanacho. The Sudanese has penciled him down as probably the most dangerous attacker in the Nigerian team but better final balls could take the team beyond the promise land.

3. Samuel Chukwueze should raise his game: Villarreal CF winger Samuel Chukwueze was viewed by many as the weakest link in the starting eleven against Egypt but the left-footed attacker could very useful against a more defensive Sudanese team and his skills could become necessary to unlock a team with eleven players behind the ball.

4. Nigeria must not underestimate any opposition: Every team must be taken very serious just like the case of Central African Republic late 2021, Nigeria also take clues from Senegal and Algeria failing to live by their favourite tags.

5. Eguavoen should give Onyekuru, Onyeka and Olayinka playing time: Depending on the game situation based on tactics, Coach Austin Eguavoen can introduce players like Henry Onyekuru, Ahmed Musa and Chidera Ejuke to stretch the opposing defence, Frank Onyeka could be introduced to solidify the midfield while Peter Olayinka could offer decent pace and height as presence in dangerous places in closing period of the game.