Ezeji’s Critique and Recommendation for Onuachu’s Aerial Skills
Former Nigerian striker Victor Ezeji has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Super Eagles coach’s handling of Paul Onuachu’s abilities, particularly his prowess in heading.
Ezeji, who scored two goals in his three appearances for the national team, believes that the 6.7-foot-tall Onuachu’s aerial skills have not been effectively utilized.
Onuachu’s Exclusion and Last-Minute Inclusion in AFCON Squad
Despite scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 16 games for Trabzonspor, Onuachu was initially left out of the Super Eagles’ 25-man squad for the 2023 AFCON.
However, he secured a spot in the squad at the last minute due to an injury sustained by Sadiq Umar during training.
Ezeji’s Insight on Team Dynamics and Onuachu’s Role
Ezeji argued against labeling the team’s situation as a crisis, pointing out that the other strikers in the squad are also proficient.
He emphasized the need for the coaching staff, led by coach Jose Peseiro, to recognize Onuachu’s potential, especially his height advantage and heading abilities.
Ezeji noted that Onuachu’s performance relies heavily on effective crosses, which he believes have been lacking in Super Eagles’ matches.
A Call for Effective Deployment in Upcoming AFCON
As the Super Eagles prepare to kick off their 2023 AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2024, Ezeji’s call for effective utilization of Onuachu’s strengths becomes crucial.
He highlighted the striker’s impressive record of three goals in 19 appearances for the Eagles, emphasizing that his aerial dominance should be a key focus during the tournament.
Conclusion and AFCON Kickoff
With the tournament on the horizon, the Super Eagles, despite controversies in the team selection, are set to face Equatorial Guinea in their opening match.
The spotlight remains on whether coach Jose Peseiro will heed Ezeji’s advice and leverage Paul Onuachu’s unique abilities to enhance the team’s performance in the upcoming AFCON fixtures.