The Super Eagles start life after the Africa Cup of Nations with team that has semblance of the squad that finished second at the tournament
Stand-in coach Finidi George has named his line-up to face the Black Stars of Ghana in an international, the first for Nigeria since the AFCON loss to the Ivory Coast.
The unavailability of William Troost-Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi and Victor Osimhen, who all started in that final has seen a re-jig of the team and new players come in.
This game will be a stern test for George’s credentials and there’s the added pressure of starting in his interim role against eternal rivals Ghana.
How the Super Eagles will start against Ghana
Stanley Nwabali continues in goal after his AFCON showing to take the number one spot from Francis Uzoho who starts from the bench.
Fenerbache’s Bright Osayi-Samuel will start at right back position while Bruno Onyeamachi has been selected for the left-back area.
New face in defense
In the centre of defence, West Brom’s Semi Ajayi starts while George has elected to give former Bendel Insurance captain Benjamin Tanimu his full debut with Chidozie Awaziem is also listed to start.
Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the AFCON, is back to the team and will captain the side as he starts alongside Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka.
As earlier predicted by afrik-foot.com, Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Glasgow Rangers Cyriel Dessers are the two strikers listed in a 3-5-2 formation that can morph to a 4-4-2
George seems inclined to maintain the AFCON system, with a potential shift to his preferred 4-4-2 involving a central defender (likely Tanimu) moving into midfield, while Bruno and Osayi-Samuel drop back to full-back positions.
Nigeria confirmed line-up vs Ghana
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Benjamin Tanimu
Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessers
Substitutes
Francis Uzoho, Leke Ojo, Jamilu Collins, Ademola Lookman, Sadiq Umar, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nathan Tella, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Calvin Bassey, Kenneth Omeruo, Moses Simon
