Nigeria failed to advance to the knockout stage of the 2018 World Cup after experiencing a late defeat to Argentina in their final Group D game in Saint Petersburg. The Super Eagles have been competitive on the major stage, but have lacked the talent in key areas of the pitch to deliver results against the elite teams. It has been eight years since they were successful in the Africa Cup of Nations, lifting the trophy in 2013 with Emmanuel Emenike leading the frontline with four strikes.
After that, there were disappointing performances in 2015 and 2017, where the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the tournament on the continent. Nigeria got back to prominence in 2019 with a third-place- finish, but there is still room to grow for the team under the tenure of Gernot Rohr. There are some promising attacking players that are flourishing in leagues across Europe, and should they harness their potential, Nigeria could be loaded with talent, according to sunnewsonline.com, for the final third for 2022 and beyond. So, let’s take a look at who some of the potential shining stars in the Super Eagles could be.
Victor Osimhen
This 22-year-old is perhaps Nigeria’s most promising attacking threat and has proved so in his performances for the Super Eagles and could well lead the charge at the 2022 World Cup. Osimhen could even have Nigerian bettors considering their options among SBO.net’s leading bookmakers to qualify for the knockout stages, which would be welcomed after previous, missed opportunities.
While there is plenty of time to weigh up the World Cup markets before it comes to that, there are great offers out there to wager on the Super Eagles in the 18 months before the start of the competition, too. Who knows, Nigeria could be one of the exciting teams to watch and gamble on if their attacking players, led by Osimhen, fire on all cylinders in the competitions between now and 2022.
It’s looking likely, as the 22-year-old has notched five goals in 10 appearances for his country to date and seems capable of a whole lot more. Osimhen has showcased his talent in Europe across three different teams. The forward failed to make the grade during his time with Wolfsburg, but proved enough in a loan spell with Charleroi to earn a move to Lille.
In just one season in Ligue 1, Osimhen scored 18 goals in 38 appearances. His level of clinical edge caught the attention of major teams across the continent. However, the 22-year-old opted to sign for Napoli for a club-record fee and the highest transfer sum for an African player of £60m. Osimhen has not hit the ground running for the Italian club, but as he adjusts to life in Serie A, the forward will no doubt deliver for his team.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Iheanacho failed to make an impression during his time with Manchester City, notching 12 goals in 46 appearances in the Premier League before he was deemed surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola. The forward completed a £25m move to Leicester City, but he struggled to make an impact off the bench amid the outstanding form of Jamie Vardy playing in the lone striking role. However, Iheanacho has been trusted with opportunities this season by Brendan Rodgers and he has started to capitalize.
The 24-year-old notched the first Premier League hat-trick of his career in a dominant 5-0 win over Sheffield United. Iheanacho is starting to deliver on his potential, displaying all the raw attributes to become a top striker in the top flight as well as the Super Eagles. The forward has already performed to a high standard for Nigeria, scoring nine goals in his first 29 appearances for the Super Eagles since making his debut in 2015. Given that he is comfortable playing anywhere across the front three, Iheanacho will be a great asset for a long time for Rohr and managers down the line.
Samuel Chukwueze
At the age of 21, Chukwueze is just scratching the surface of his potential, although he has already produced performances of great quality in his fledgling career. The forward has come through the ranks at Villarreal since his move to the club in 2017 from the Diamond Football Academy. Since 2018, he has been a reliable starter for the La Liga club, making over 100 appearances in all competitions and notching 14 goals in the process. Chukwueze is more of a creative player than Iheanacho and Osimhen, operating in the wide areas. He has pace to burn and enough tricks in his locker to confuse even the best of defenders.
Chukwueze still needs refining, but he has proved a great deal under four permanent managers, who have all started the youngster. It may only be a matter of time before he secures a move elsewhere, having been linked with a move to Manchester United and Liverpool. He has already earned 17 caps for the Super Eagles and will certainly notch a whole lot more over the course of his career. Chukwueze’s development could be one of the most exciting prospects for Nigeria and across the entire continent.
These are three talented attacking players that could change the dynamic of the Super Eagles over the next 18 months. It could make all the difference in their bid to make an impact at the 2022 World Cup.