AFCON 2023: Ndah talks up Super Eagles' chances against Ivory Coast

 

Favour Itua

Super Eagles Defender Olisa Ndah believes the team will bounce back from the disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea. 

Iban Salvador opened the scoring for Equatorial Guinea with a wonderful finish. 

Victor Osimhen quickly restored parity with a header from close range. 

Ndah, who plays for Orlando Pirates in South Africa believes the team has all it takes to return to winning ways and qualify from the group.

"I think the team played well, created lot of chances, no thanks the the Equatorial Guinea Goalkeeper who made good saves

The team has everything to get a win against Cote D'Ivoire and I believe they will do". 

Nigeria tackle host Country Cote D'Ivoire on Thursday at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe.

AFCON: Can Olisa Ndah gatecrash to Jose Peseiro's plans?

 

Not only has Olisa Ndah been solid at the back this season for Orlando Pirates, he has become untouchable since his return from injury. This one could not have come at a better time for the Nigeria international.

Pirates' defensive record has been massively improved thanks to Tapelo Xoki, Thabiso Monyane and Nkosinathi Sibisi, however this season it's Ndah who has shone.

This season, with Ndah in the starting line-up, Pirates have conceded three goals in eight games, and have lost just one of these games, winning four. 

Ndah has not played for Nigeria in over a year, but most Pirates fans will agree his form this season is outstanding, and he has done what he can to prove himself to Super Eagles Manager Jose Peseiro. The latest being the win over TS Galaxy on Saturday night.

Nigeria has failed to replicate its past successes in recent years after reaching lofty heights at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

Peseiro has looked to usher in a new era in Nigerian football since assuming the reins of the national team setup by keeping faith with Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, but Ndah emerging as the face of the rebuild could spice up Super Eagles' quest for glory at the next AFCON.

The 25-year-old defender has regularly proven that no stage is too big for him. A right-footed, ball-playing centerback by nature, Ndah has the skill set that is in high demand across the modern game. The Delta native has become an integral piece to Pirates' setup, making the most of his wide range of passing and vision in the buildup phases. 

Standing at 1.90m, Ndah is an imposing figure at the back and has what it takes to be recalled to the Super Eagles team. 

Back to memory lane, Kenneth Omeruo gatecrashed to the Super Eagles for AFCON 2013 and turned out to be one of the driving forces who helped Nigeria win the tournament. 

AFCON 2024 success is a possibility - and with Olisa Ndah at the heart of defense - Super Eagles can afford to dream.

Olisah Ndah: The solution to leaked Super Eagles back line

 

With the Super Eagles struggling defensively in recent games under Jose Peseiro, there are concerns on the team's backline ahead of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D'Ivoire. 

The team has leaked cheap goals in their last four games against Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe  

Central defence has been an issue for the Super Eagles under Peseiro, with only a couple of defenders being considered as top international quality.

However, in the last two months a number prospects have emerged which could turn the tide in this regard.

Former Remo Stars General Olisa Ndah has come to life under Jose Riveiro at new look Orlando Pirates. 

The 25-year-old has helped marshal three clean sheets in Pirates' last five games in the DSTV Premiership. And his stats prove why he should be given Super Eagles call-up.

A remarkable clearances and winning duels in those games mark him out as one of the most in-form defenders Nigeria have at the moment. 

Olisa Ndah has exhibited an impressive ability to read the game. His intelligent reading of the game is often displayed on the pitch through his defensive positioning, which helps him to effectively make plenty of interceptions. 

His ability to intercept the ball is one of his primary defensive attributes. At times, the Pirates defender appears to simply attract the ball to himself. His intelligent reading of the game and impressive defensive positioning helps him to occupy optimal positions off the ball, which ultimately gives him an advantage when attempting to win the ball back in the final third.

The ex Akwa United defender is certainly an option that Peseiro should consider as he aims to repair the backline of the Super Eagles.  

Ndah, who joined the Soweto giants back in 2021, has made a good impression and attracted interests from clubs overseas.

He was part of the Super Eagles team at the last Africa Cup of Nations and played one match.