As the senior national team of Nigeria get set for their upcoming back to back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers games against Guinea Bissau, invited players have started receiving invitation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), OGN reports.
The official list of players invited will be made public by the NFF later this week with invitation letters already sent out to the 25 players called up by head coach Jose Peseiro. Already clubs have started to announce the players invited from their team.
One of such team is Portuguese side Boavista, they have confirmed that one of their star performers this season Bruno Onyemaechi. The 23 year old has been a revelation for the top division side since his loan move in the summer from second division side Feirense.
His performances this season has been so good that even journalists in the country have been raving about him. His form could see him get a look in this time around for game time unlike his first invitation, where he was an unused substitute in the friendly game against Portugal.
Monitored by OGN, Portuguese journalist Zach Lowy in a series of tweet on social media platform Twitter via his verified handle called on his fellow Portuguese to give the defender a chance as he is more of an upgrade on the options available to the manager.
He insist that the left back trio of Zaidu Sanusi, Ola Aina and Jamilu Collins have nothing on the defender. He also said in centre defence where Bruno has played as a left sided defender he is more at home than the present options Peseiro has in William Troost Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Kevin Akpoguma and Chidozie Awaziem.
Lowy made this known while watching Bruno who has one call up for the Super Eagles in action against league leaders Benfica a Primeira Liga which Boavista lost 1-3 but yet the Nigerian stood out.
“Nigeria need to be considering Bruno Onyemaechi for a potential call-up this year.
He’s been a vital player in defense for Boavista since arriving from second-tier Feirense in the summer — strong display today that sees Boavista enter halftime level 0-0 with Benfica at the Luz. he posted.
“A CB/LB hybride, he has filled in across the backline and is currently playing as a left back in a 4-5-1 that sees left back Ricardo Mangas operate as a winger ahead of him. Benfica have been completely nullified in the first 45 and Bruno has been a key reason for this.
“His positioning, focus, and determination to stay close to his man and not allow a dangerous cross in has prevented Benfica from enjoying success down the right. He makes the right decision in possession and executes well with regularity and has won 4/6 ground duels thus far.
” Onyemaechi, 23, is one of the more physical players on the team but has blended that with a strong anticipation and a patience to not get sucked into making lunges, instead holding his ground, putting his foot in and winning the ball cleanly. Very strong footballing IQ.
“Nigeria’s options at LB: Zaidu Sanusi, Ola Aina, Jamilu Collins
Nigeria’s options at CB: Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, Kevin Akpoguma, Chidozie Awaziem
Think Bruno has everything it takes to consolidate a starting spot in the Super Eagles’ defense.
Osas Mahawi
