The interim head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Finidi George has kept to his words by making changes to the starting lineup that defeated Ghana 2-1 ahead of today’s game against Mali, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Finidi who is in temporary charge of the team maintained the same 3-5-2 formation the team played at the AFCON and also in the game against Ghana, but this time around Kelechi Iheanacho was handed the top striker’s role with Cyriel Dessers dropping to the bench.
The choice of Iheanacho of Sadiq Umar is a weird one but sources in the camp of the team said it is due to the fact that he is observing the ramadan fasting, hence isn’t fully recovered to start but he will play some parts in the game.
In the 3-5-2 formation, Iheanacho will play just ahead of Moses Simon who comes into the team. Kenneth Omeruo will wear the captain armband after missing the first game due to a knock. Jamilu Collins also comes in at left back in place of Bruno Onyemaechi.
Raphael Onyedika comes into the starting XI in the absence of Frank Onyeka, who is back in England due to a personal issue.
Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi.
