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Joe Aribo and Bright Osayi-Samuel have played a bit-part role for the Nigeria Super Eagles at the AFCON 2023.
Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo and wingback Bright Osayi-Samuel have emerged as surprise top passers for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
Pulse Sports Nigeria can report that despite limited game time on the pitch, the duo have stoodout for the Eagles en route to another AFCON final.
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18:43 - 13.01.2024
Did you see it too? The Joe Aribo picture that has got Nigerian women talking
Joe Aribo and the Super Eagles have been hard at work ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
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17:35 - 20.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Bright Osayi-Samuel eyes starting place in ‘game of revenge’ against Guinea-Bissau
Bright Osayi-Samuel, the dynamic Fenerbahce winger, is eagerly awaiting his potential starting debut for Nigeria in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Guinea Bissau.
Aribo and Osayi reign
Analysing Nigeria’s passing stats so far at the 34th AFCON, Osayi-Samuel and Aribo stand tall for their accuracy and volume of passes completed in the tournament.
Per Opta, Fenerbahce wingback, Osayi-Samuel has posted an excellent 92.4% pass completion rate, with Aribo posting an accuracy of 92.2% for the Eagles.
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However, in terms of average passes per game, Southampton midfielder, Aribo, sits on a world of his own with 50.6 passes per 90 minutes.
The 27-year-old is followed my Fulham’s Alex Iwobi while Osayi-Samuel is at a distant 25.2 passes per game.
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Their composure and quality on the ball have provided a platform for Nigeria's attacking play when called upon by manager, Jose Peseiro. Aribo has particularly impressed with his passing, helping Nigeria keep possession and things tidy.
While neither player has registered an assist, Osayi coming close in the semifinal clash against South Africa, their passing productivity has helped Nigeria control games on the way to the final.
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Aribo and Osayi-Samuel's efficiency and work rate in midfield have strengthened Nigeria both with and without possession and both players could prove decisive in the final against Cote d’Ivoire.
The blockbuster finale against the host nation is slated for Sunday night at 9 pm Nigerian time.
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