AFCON 2023: the Super Eagles' key men

William Troost-Ekong, the leader of the defence

They say you need a solid defence to win a major tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria have understood that, even though this area of the team was a concern a few weeks before the kick-off of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles have been watertight, conceding just one goal at this AFCON. Since matchday 1 of the group stage against Equatorial Guinea, Jose Peseiro's men have strung together 4 matches in a row without seeing the back of their net bulge. It is a feat no other team has matched in this competition. Heading this defensive unit is William Troost-Ekong. The Super Eagles captain has established himself as the leader of this back line. Charismatic, the PAOK player has played every minute of this AFCON in Ivory Coast. Without a single card, he dominates in aerial duels, winning 81% of them, or 4.1 per match. Through his presence and his vocal communication, he is the true boss of the defence and guides his team-mates.

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Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles' spark

Before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria were feared for their attacking riches. That has been borne out since the start of the tournament. Operating on the flanks of the Super Eagles attack, Ademola Lookman has played on both the left and the right. His intelligent movement and technical finesse are among the major pillars of this team. With 3 goals, he is the side's top scorer. A former England youth international who switched allegiance to join the Super Eagles, he benefits from Victor Osimhen's work and from the fear Osimhen instils in opposing defences to shine and make a decisive impact. In the knockout rounds he has been impressive, helping his team-mates get past Cameroon in the round of 16 with a brace, and also against Angola in the quarter-final, when he scored the only goal of the game. One of Nigeria's most dangerous weapons, he gives South Africa plenty to worry about as the semi-final kicks off.

Victor Osimhen, the example to follow

Named best player of 2023 by the CAF, Victor Osimhen is proving that he is the present and future of African football. The star of this AFCON, cheered in every match, he stands out for his commitment on the pitch, just like his source of inspiration, Sadio Mané. He is a player who never gives up. At the end of matches you always see a player who has given everything and is running on empty from exhaustion. Having a continental star in your side who is the first to toil in the press on every action, trying to disrupt the opposition's build-up, is not something you see every day. He leads by example not through his goals but through his attitude. With 1 goal and 1 assist, his numbers may look modest, but his performances have been breathtaking. Undoubtedly the favourite for player of the tournament, Victor Osimhen wants to go all the way and add a continental title to his honours list. He was doubtful for the semi-final because of abdominal pain, but football fans can be glad that the Napoli striker is back in training to prepare for the match against Bafana Bafana.