How best does Super Eagles coach Peseiro handle Taiwo Awoniyi's injury ahead of 2023 AFCON? 

Taiwo Awoniyi has suffered a groin injury which will keep him out for months, thereby ruling him out of the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

This isn't only a big blow to Nottingham Forest but also to Nigeria ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations which does raise the question of how best can coach José Peseiro address the absence of the former Liverpool striker.

With Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Sadiq Umar, and Kelechi Iheanacho who can also play as a striker, the three-time African champions are well-equipped in the striking department.

 It is difficult to see another striker coming to dislodge any of the aforementioned players based on their qualify and because Peseiro preferred them.

Thus, there is no need to call another striker just to make up the numbers, Awoniyi's vacant position should be filled with a more dynamic and creative player.

The Super Eagles squad at the moment is crying for creativity, the team is better beefed up with creative players rather than another unneeded body.

With the fullbacks not showing the ability to create chances, the onus lies on the midfield to carve out goal-scoring opportunities for the team and the only player capable of doing that at the moment is Alex Iwobi.

Undoubtedly, the Fulham midfielder can hold his own against any opposition at AFCON but he still needs help particularly when he is not having an impact on the game.
 

It should be noted that the foregoing doesn't apply only to filing Awoniyi's position but also entire make-up of the squad as Peseiro is expected to name a 27-man squad for AFCON. 

Therefore, the Portuguese tactician should aim to name players capable of competing with the current crop rather than those that will just make up the numbers.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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