Nigeria’s former international footballer, Sunday Oliseh, has voiced his apprehension about the Super Eagles’ midfield situation as they head into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) without the presence of Wilfred Ndidi. Ndidi, a key player for Leicester City, was initially part of the squad for the AFCON in Ivory Coast but had to withdraw due to an unresolved muscular injury, sidelining him for approximately three months. The void left by Ndidi has prompted Oliseh’s worry, especially given the crucial role of a solid defensive midfielder in major tournaments, a fact affirmed by statistics from the Fifa Technical Committee.
In an interview with Channels Television ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming match against Equatorial Guinea, Oliseh emphasized the significance of a robust defensive midfielder, citing it as a pivotal but often underappreciated position in football. He expressed his concern, stating, “The moment I heard Ndidi was injured, this is going to be a problem, this is the Africa Cup of Nations. There are going to be duels, hard tackles when you look at the teams that are coming at us. If you are going to have offensive players like we have, you cannot afford to play without solid defensive midfielders.”
Oliseh’s insightful analysis underscores the potential vulnerability of the Super Eagles in the absence of a strong presence in the midfield, especially with the challenging nature of the AFCON competition and the physical demands posed by formidable opponents. The concern raised by the former national team captain sheds light on the strategic intricacies and the delicate balance required to achieve success in prestigious international tournaments like the AFCON.
