Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen. Image: iDiski Times
The real danger for Bafana Bafana in AFCON semi ISN’T Osimhen
Bafana Bafana have numerous headaches to face against Nigeria in the AFCON semi-final.
Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen. Image: iDiski Times
Much has been said about the threat of Victor Osimhen. However, there are other dangers for Bafana Bafana to contend with in their AFCON semi-final.
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Bafana Bafana must look out for Lookman
Ademola Lookman, currently with the ever-attractive Serie A side Atalanta, has scored Nigeria’s last three goals at AFCON. He was the only scorer in their 1-0 win over Angola in the quarter-finals and bagged a brace against Cameroon in the Round of 16. His pace and directness will give Bafana plenty of problems.
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Bags of Premier League experience for the Super Eagles
Lookman has represented English Premier League clubs Everton, Fulham and Leicester City. Former Arsenal playmaker Alex Iwobi, meanwhile, had a stint with Everton after a big-money move from the Gunners and is now the clubmate of Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey at Fulham. Their collective experience of the top flight in England could prove valuable.
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OSIMHEN IS ALWAYS DANGEROUS TOO
20 goals in 27 caps is a superb goal-scoring ratio at international level. Victor Osimhen is no ordinary striker, as he has proved in the past few seasons with Lille in France, and now especially with Italian champions Napoli. He fired Diego Maradona’s old team to their first Scudetto in 33 years with 26 goals in the league. Those antics earned him the top scorer ‘Capocannoniere’ award in Serie A. No wonder a host of clubs around Europe are willing to pay upwards of €100m for the 25-year-old, who is particularly admired for his powerful, rangy running of the channels and clinical coldness in front of goal.
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Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.
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