Nigeria vs Benin and Rwanda : Afcon Qualifiers Preview

After the failed attempt by Libya to embarrass the Super Eagles in their country, the North Africans ended up with more than eggs on their faces as we Super Eagles fans look forward to another tantalising set of Afcon qualifier-encounters from next week.

Nigeria are sitting comfortably on top of the group with 10 points with Libya languishing at the bottom with 1 pitiful point. As Eguavoen's restoration and recovery exercise continues, us fans will be expecting results that would again warm the cockles of hearts against Benin and Rwanda in the final round of qualifiers.

Having initially embraced 3-4-3 in his first 2 games back in charge, the Stand-in Super Eagles manager ditched it for 4-3-3 against Libya. When Nigeria attacked in 3-4-3, the thin midfield is stretched thinner which Eguavoen identify as a major issue. Hence he wants a formation the provides at least 3 bodies in midfield.

Erstwhile Head Coach Peseiro used 3-4-3 with emphasis on a defensive approach but Eguavoen's more offensive outlook can prove problematic with the same formation.

But, again, Nigeria struggles with Just 4 at the back when we have more bodies in midfield. So I will be eager to see how Eguavoen squares this midfield-defense circle in November's games.

It will also be interesting to see who gets invited. Centre-back Benjamin Tanimu is now seeing playing time for Crawley Town which supports his continued consideration. But Semi Ajayi is out injured, who replaces him?

Kelechi Iheanacho opened his goals account in Spain recently which would support his invitation but shock will trail the invitation of Taiwo Awoniyi who is largely inactive for Nottingham Forest.

I would expect Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie to give way to a homebased

goalkeeper who can be groomed for December's CHAN qualifiers against Ghana.

Mesmerising midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also has failed to taste any action for Lazio in the league going back to 31st August. That said, I doubt his invitation or involvement with the Super Eagles in November will be harmed. But, he needs to force his way back into reckoning for his club so as not to be rusty.

Victor Osimhen should be back which would delight fans but should we clamour for Joe Aribo's return? The utility midfielder is playing regularly in the English Premer League.

In Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, Nigeria currently boasts of arguably one of the best combination of wingers on the continent at the moment. Samuel Chukwueze is also very relevant. With Ejuke sadly out due to injury, who will be invited as back-up winger? Maybe Isaac Success? Just kidding.

Anyways, I am looking forward to these encounter with delight. Hopefully the rich vein of form continues for the Super Eagles under Austin Eguavoen.