What could swing the encounter in either side’s favor when the Super Eagles battle the Central African nation?

Nigeria vs The Central African Republic

Two wins from two in World Cup qualifying but Nigeria’s performances haven’t been at all convincing.

In truth, it’s a pattern under Gernot Rohr, so it feels tiresome to make a continued fuss over the team’s showings.

The win over Liberia was down to Kelechi Iheanacho’s brilliance while success in Cape Verde was arguably undeserved.

Heading into their first of two fixtures against the Central African Republic, Rohr’s troops could move further away from their rivals in Group C.

In this feature, Goal pick out what could make or mar the West African nation’s chances of success.

Maduka Okoye’s form…or otherwise

After a solid debut season in the Eredivisie, which led to a contract renewal in the summer, Okoye’s performances have largely dipped this season.

Since the last international break, the shot-stopper has conceded nine times in five games with the concession of four from only five attempts on target against Cambuur especially concerning.

He did redeem himself in Sunday’s defeat by PSV Eindhoven, making a staggering nine stops in the 2-1 loss, and Rohr will hope the reliable version of Okoye turns up for Super Eagles duty.

Stick or twist in defence?

Due to quarantine restrictions last time out, Rohr was forced to shuffle his backline for the 2-1 win over Cape Verde.

Indeed, there’s an expectation to revert to the four that featured against Liberia with Ola Aina returning at right-back, the in-form William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun starting in defence while Jamilu Collins ought to keep his place.

Having faced intermittent moments of uncertainty at the back in Mindelo, reverting to what worked rather well against the Lone Stars increases the Super Eagles’ chances of success.

Dealing with notable absences of Ndidi, Etebo and Iwobi

Missing Wilfred Ndidi is hard enough for any side but having to deal with Peter Etebo’s absence — his partnership with the Leicester man arguably offers the best balance — and Alex Iwobi — Nigeria’s most effective link-up player — is extra difficult.

On paper, the expected midfield pairing of Joe Aribo and Frank Onyeka ought to be enough to defeat the Wild Beasts, yet a partnership that has never been utilised will have teething problems.

Who plays out wide?

Having combined well with Jamilu Collins particularly in the opening half against Cape Verde, Chidera Ejuke should be pushing for a start.

However, Rohr’s proclivity to not rock the boat unless forced means Samuel Kalu and Moses Simon are likely to start in wide areas.

The Ligue 1 wide attackers can be erratic at times in possession and Simon has to be more pin-point with his final ball than he showed in last month's 2-1 success in Mindelo.

Will Nigeria’s match-winners come to the fore?

The in-form Victor Osimhen and underutilised Kelechi Iheanacho are the obvious stand-out players for the Super Eagles.

If they are on it, the West African giants will probably secure maximum points, irrespective of another possible humdrum showing on home turf.

If they have an off day, however, Rohr will be questioned by the nation’s passionate fans.

Source: Goal