5 Nigeria Players With Most to Prove Against Mali, Ghana, From Dessers to Dele Bashiru

• Nigeria will face Ghana and Mali in the March international break
• Most of their top players will miss the two matches due to injuries
• New faces, including Cyriel Dessers, will get a chance to impress

Nigeria are looking to bounce back from their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations defeat when they meet bitter rivals Ghana and Mali in friendlies in the next few days.

Many names from the 2023 AFCON are missing, including African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen.

New faces have been called up by interim coach Finidi George and will hope to leave an impression.

The Super Eagles are entering a new era following the departure of head coach Jose Peseiro earlier this month.

Therefore new players would love to solidify their place in the setup ahead of the 2025 nAFCON and the 2026 World Cup. Here are five players who have a point to prove in the squad.

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Nigeria players with a point to prove

5. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

The Hatayspor midfielder made the provisional squad for the 2023 AFCON but failed to make the cut in the final squad as the Super Eagles made an unexpected run to the final. The former Manchester City midfielder is having a decent season in the Turkish top flight. he has played 28 games, scored 5 goals, and added three assists, per Afrik Foot.

He made his debut under Peseiro last year and is looking to kick on. THese two friendly matches are an opportunity for him to stake his claim in the team.

4. Jamilu Collins

The left-back spot in the Nigerian team is wide open. Zaidu Sanusi was shaky at the 2023 AFCON, meaning it's up to Collins and others to step up and prove they deserve to start.

The Cardiff City defender has not featured for the Super Eagles since the World Cup qualifiers in November 2023. He will likely start against Ghana and Mali.

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3. Benjamin Tanimu

The defender has received his first call-up after impressing at his new club in Tanzania, Ihefu Sports Club. The central defender will be looking to get some minutes, now that AFCON Player of the Tournament, William Troost-Ekong, is out with an injury.

The 21-year-old has established himself in Tanzania and will be looking to impress Finidi George.

2. Nathan Tella

Tella is enjoying an incredible season with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Teall has become a key player in Xabi Alonso's side as they challenge for the league title. He has scored some crucial goals to help the team maintain their unbeaten run.

The forward has scored six goals in 24 appearances for the German side this season. With Osimhen and Victor Boniface out, Tella will get a chance to showcase his abilities. Tella's only appearance came in November last year.

1. Cyriel Dessers

Dessers has been incredible at Rangers this season and there's no better time for him to impress in a Nigerian shirt. Osimhen and Biniface are out, meaning he will get some minutes after missing out on the 2023 AFCON squad.

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The 29-year-old has scored 16 goals in 43 appearances for the Scottish side, per Transfermakrt. Time is running out for him to solidify a spot in the team. If he impresses, he could be on the flight to Morocco for the 2025 AFCON.

Iwobi's message to Nigerians

Sports Brief earlier reported on Alex Iwobi sending a message to Nigerians ahead of the Super Eagles friendly with Ghana.

Nigeria and Ghana share a bitter rivalry that was evident during the 2023 AFCON. Iwobi hopes the Super Eagles get a positive result against the Black Stars.