The head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Finidi George has made some shocking decisions in the starting lineup for today’s 2026 world cup qualifiers game against South Africa in Uyo, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Finidi took a very bold decision in switching to a more attacking formation playing 4-3-3 with stand in captain Wilfred Ndidi initially picked to play in center back alongside Semi Ajayi now back in the midfield.
Benjamin Tanimu of Tanzanian side Ihefu FC comes in the starting lineup with Frank Onyeka dropping out of the team after failing a late fitness test per what we exclusively gathered.
Stanley Nwabali keeps his spot in goal with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey operating as right and left full back respectively. The deployment of Ndidi to centre back means a first start for Hatayaspor midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
He will play in midfield just behind Alex Iwobi. The team’s attack will be anchored by the trio of Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Onuachu was picked to start ahead of Victor Boniface as the arrow head of the attack of the team, with Iheanacho playing from the right and Lookman from the left side of attack.
Starting XI:
Stanley Nwabali
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Semi Ajayi
Wilfred Ndidi
Calvin Bassey
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Alex Iwobi
Benjamin Tanimu
Ademola Lookman
Paul Onuachu
Kelechi Iheanacho
