Paul Onuachu expresses desire for more playing time as Super Eagles target AFCON glory
Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu has openly shared his wish for increased playing time with the Super Eagles as they aim for their fourth continental trophy in Cote d’Ivoire at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Although Nigeria faced initial challenges, drawing 1-1 against Equatorial Guinea on matchday one, they have transformed into the tournament’s leading contenders.
Under the management of Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles secured four consecutive victories against Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola, earning a spot in the semifinals where they will face South Africa.
Throughout these crucial matches, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has held the primary center-forward role, leaving Onuachu to make four substitute appearances totaling just five minutes on the pitch.
Onuachu, who was called up late to the AFCON squad due to injuries to other forwards, acknowledges the stiff competition for positions in the national team.
While expressing his desire for more playing time, Onuachu recognizes the intense competition among the Super Eagles’ strikers.
He acknowledges Osimhen’s status as Africa’s best and praises the performances of other players like Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Onuachu reflects on his previous experiences, noting that he joined the team during a challenging period where the pressure and struggle were palpable.
Despite this, he remains optimistic and understands that the coach ultimately decides the lineup.
“I think it is really competitive in the national team now with my position,” Onuachu told the Nation.
“Maybe about two years ago or so, I thought maybe I should have gotten more time. For me, I thought I came in at a struggling time, at a time when people don’t really get to see the best of you.
“When you come in in the second half, the struggle and the pressure, that is there. But right now, I think we have lots of strikers. I’m not being judgmental here; Victor Osimhen is Africa’s best, and Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi are doing good.
“Of course, I am part of it. I have been doing well at my club, Trabzonspor, at the end of the day, and it still comes to the coach to decide. All respect to the strikers. They are doing well, but at the end of the day, it comes to the coach to pick.
“For me, I am very happy and it is an honour to be on the 40-man list. At the end of the day, he chose the 25-man list, and he chose the best.”
As Nigeria advances in the AFCON, the competition for starting positions is expected to remain intense, and Onuachu remains committed to contributing to the team’s success whenever called upon by the coaching staff.
