The senior national team of Nigeria has their final training session ahead of today’s AFCON group game against Guinea-Bissau, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Head coach of the team Jose Peseiro was without three of his key players so far at the tournament in the session namely William Troost-Ekong, Alhassan Yusuf and Zaidu Sanusi due to knocks picked up in previous games.
Their absence means a reshuffling of the team that started the last game against Cote d’Ivoire, which they won 1-0 to put themselves in pole position to finish as group winners ahead of today’s game.
At the back, the absence of Ekong and Sanusi will see Kenneth Omeruo, who was a late substitute in the 1-0 win against the host have his first start with Semi Ajayi at the heart of the defence, while Bright Osayi-Samuel will come in at right back with Ola Aina switching to the other flank in the absence of Sanusi.
Joe Aribo is expected to get his first start as well coming in as part of a midfield three alongside the duo of Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka. Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to start as part of a three man attack ahead of Samuel Chukwueze, who started the last game.
He will lead Nigeria’s charge for goals with Ademola Lookman on the left and Victor Osimhen playing as the central striker.
Starting XI
Stanley Nwabali
Ola Aina
Bright Osayi Samuel
Kenneth Omeruo
Semi Ajayi
Frank Onyeka
Alex Iwobi
Joe Aribo
Kelechi Iheanacho
Ademola Lookman
Victor Osimhen
Ade Emmanuel
