Macdonald Niba:

Solution to Cameroon’s defensive woes

Macdonald Niba

If you watched Macdonald NgwaNiba at FC Nitra, no one would have projected that he would later become one of the most potent players in the Slovak Fortuna Liga and the solution to Cameroon defensive woes.

                The absence of AmbroiseOyongoBitolo who has been sidelined for close to eight months with an injury, put the defensive compartment of the Indomitable Lions in shambles during the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.

                Fortunately, 23-year-old Cameroonian-Canadian, Niba has proven his worth since moving to Europe from Canada as the solution to Cameroon’s defensive woes.

                He is the defensive powerhouse in FC Nitra’s success. In four games played already this season, FC Nitra is in the second position with 10 points and is yet to concede a goal.

                Niba has been voted Man of the Match in three occasions, Player Of The Week once and has appeared in all teams of the week since the new season started.

                His performances this season has seen his club turning down a number of offers for the young Cameroonian defender who is yet to get a cap for his country.

                He is so gifted with tremendous pace and stamina which allowed him to race up and down the pitch, and a rare blend of natural attacking instinct and defending discipline.

                The defender plays as a centre-back and left-back and is renowned for his technical ability, athleticism, sliding tackles, stamina, composure and fast energetic forward runs when he is used as a left-back.

                Also comfortable on the ball, his marking, awareness and ability to anticipate a threat from the opposition make him a perfect solution and a perfect fit in Coach Hugo Broos plans ahead of the Indomitable Lions’ double confrontation against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

                As a precise tackler and he is rarely book as he often avoids committing faults to challenges when he deemed them unnecessary, preferring to restrict the offensive play of his opponents through his positioning and marking.

                The media in Slovakia has recommended his aerial ability, strength, man-marking, as well as his tactical knowledge coupled with his passing range and ability to begin plays from the back-line.

                Cameroon risk losing the former Cinyodev FA defender who also has a Canadian nationality should in case the Canada makes the first move for his services.

                With the upcoming decisive 2018 World Cup qualifiers games against Nigeria in September, a call up for the defender will be a great solution to Cameroon’s defensive woes that were exposed at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia last June.