Senegal defeated Cameroon 1-0 last night, thanks to Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate. Steve Cooper will be pleased that the centre-back received a much-needed 90-minute run.
Niakhate has had a particularly trying time since joining Forest in the summer of 2022. He tore his hamstring away from the bone in his second game and didn’t play again until April.
He dislocated his elbow in a pre-season friendly ahead of the current season after falling awkwardly. That one didn’t keep him out for long, but it slowed his start to the season.
Niakhate was reinstated to the starting lineup for the match against Manchester City. The next week, he started at left-back in a 1-1 draw with Brentford, but was sent off and missed the Crystal Palace game.
Niakhate plays for Senegal alongside Forest target
Forest had Ismail Jakobs at the top of their list for a new left-back for much of the summer. However, he proved to be too costly, with Ross Wilson really flying out to meet with Monaco.
He started at left back for Senegal last night, with Niakhate filling in as the left-sided central defender. Sadio Mane scored the game’s only goal as the pair assisted their side to a 1-0 victory over Cameroon.
Niakhate will have appreciated the minutes. He has to get going this season, and he’ll be hoping to return to Forest full of confidence ahead of this weekend’s game against Luton.
Niakhate will have to work hard to regain his shirt
Murillo has recently excelled on the left side of a two-man defensive unit. As a result, Cooper is likely to reward him by keeping him in the team against Luton this weekend.
With Willy Boly also in excellent form, it will be intriguing to see what role Niakhate plays this season at the City Ground. It’s great to have options, but the 27-year-old might not be considered first choice right now.
Niakhate is well-liked in the Forest locker room. He’s also a really excellent player, and as long as he keeps healthy, he’ll receive plenty of minutes this season.
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