The coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has revealed the starting lineup for the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their game against Benin Republic later today in the race to be at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Rohr has decided to stick with almost same set of players he used to prosecute the last two friendly games against Ukraine and Brazil respectively. Both games ended in a draw with the Eagles throwing a two goal lead to draw 2-2 against Ukraine and also losing their lead in the 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Despite the results, Rohr saw enough in the game and has decided to stick with the players who prosecuted both games but he made some changes particularly in his defence where Ola Aina comes in at right back in place of Chidozie Awaziem who played the role against Brazil.
In goal as widely expected Daniel Akpeyi starts in the absence of Francis Uzoho with the duo of Maduka Okoye and Ikechukwu Ezenwa as back up goalkeepers. The central defence partnership of Semi Ajayi and William Troost-Ekong was maintained by the coach despite the return of Kenneth Omeruo.
Jamilu Collins retains his spot as left full back while the midfield is the same as the one that prosecuted the last game against Brazil meaning the trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Alex Iwobi will play in the middle.
Ndidi will play as the defensive midfielder while Aribo will operate as the central midfielder with Iwobi positioned behind the main striker which is Victor Osimhen. Osimhen is flanked by Samuel Chukwueze and Samuel Kalu.
Chukwueze will play from the right while Kalu will operate fromthe left like he did to devastating effect against Ukraine. Rohr maintained the trio in attack despite the return of captain of the team Ahmed Musa.
Lineup
Daniel Akpeyi
Ola Aina
Jamilu Collins
William Troost-Ekong
Semi Ajayi
Wilfred Ndidi
Joe Aribo
Alex Iwobi
Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Kalu
Victor Osimhen
