In the lead-up to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the omission of Terem Moffi from Nigeria’s final squad has sparked curiosity and controversy.
The initial excitement surrounding Moffi’s inclusion in the provisional 40-man squad took an unexpected turn when head coach Jose Peseiro excluded the dynamic striker from the final 25-man roster.
Peseiro’s preference for Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Umar Sadiq in the central striker role has raised eyebrows.
While Osimhen, Boniface, and Iheanacho have been standout performers in the past year, Moffi might question why he was not chosen ahead of Sadiq.
Umar Sadiq built much of his reputation in the Spanish Segunda Division with Almeria, showcasing his scoring prowess with 38 goals across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.
However, a significant injury marred his subsequent move to Real Sociedad, hindering his performance during the last season.
Despite netting three goals in his first five La Liga games, Sadiq has struggled to regain top form, managing only two goals in 16 league appearances this season.
Critically, Sadiq’s physical and mental recovery is still a work in progress, leaving questions about his readiness for a major tournament like the AFCON.
Moffi, on the other hand, has been a force in Ligue 1 since his arrival in France in 2020, amassing an impressive 46 goals.
This season, he has scored six goals to help OGC Nice climb to second place behind PSG in the French league.
Moffi’s versatility, speed, strength, and proficiency as a left-footed striker make him a valuable asset.
In a 4-3-3 formation, he can lead the attack alone, while in a 4-4-2 setup, he provides solid support to a main striker. His presence could have afforded coach Peseiro much versatility in his team setup.
The absence of Moffi leaves Iheanacho and Samuel Chukwueze as the sole left-footed attackers in the squad, potentially limiting tactical options for Peseiro.
That being said, Peseiro’s decision to favour Sadiq over Moffi might be rooted in a deeper understanding of the players’ capabilities and the team’s dynamics.
Peseiro’s calls, including the controversial ones, would be crucial for Nigeria’s performance at the AFCON. Only a successful campaign will justify his choices and silence the critics.
As Nigeria take on the challenge in Ivory Coast, the spotlight will remain on Peseiro’s decision, and Moffi’s absence could be a defining factor in the Super Eagles’ pursuit of glory at the 2023 AFCON.
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