Veteran CBs, tried and trusted fullbacks: A look at Super Eagles defensive options for 2023 AFCON

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has assembled an impressive collection of center backs and fullbacks in Nigeria's 40-man provisional squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament revealed by the NFF recently.

At the heart of defense, veterans like Semi Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo and William Troost-Ekong provide stability and leadership with their strong aerial abilities and positioning. 

Fulham's Calvin Bassey and Hoffenheim's Kevin Akpoguma  offer robust physical presence as well to compete for starting center back roles.

Emerging talent Jordan Torunarigha also injects youth and mobility to the middle of Nigeria's backline. 

On the flanks, tried and tested full-backs Zaidu Sanusi and Ola Aina seem the prime contenders to start during AFCON. 

However Jamilu Collins provides experience off the bench, while Bruno Onyemaechi, Tyronne Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel give manager Peseiro additional depth in wide areas. 

With AFCON fast approaching, the Super Eagles appear well-stocked defensively with the right blend of experience and youth, and look pretty decent whilst being defensively compact and capable of withstanding any attacking dart thrown by some of the continent's best attacks at next year's biennial tournament.

Peseiro has options to rotate against demanding tournament opponents without significantly sacrificing quality on Nigeria's backline. 

If the defense gels and protects the starting goalkeeper, Nigeria's title ambitions will be strengthened.
 

Ejim Kaycee

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