The new coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Finidi George has tweaked his team’s style of play and approach to make up for the absence of key players ahead of the games against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Finidi is without the services of four senior defenders in William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Zaidu Sanusi and Ola Aina. In attack the team will have to play without their talisman and top striker Victor Osimhen in both games.
Per what we exclusively gathered the coach will alternate his team in defence to play in the same 3-5-2 formation with the trio of Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Tanimu favourite to start as the three center backs.
Chidozie Awaziem is in contention to start but for now he is seen as more suited helping from the bench in the event of any difficulty.
The midfield is where the coach took a major decision with the duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi playing behind Victor Boniface who will operate in the role behind the main striker which for now is likely to be Kelechi Iheanacho.
Iheanacho’s club form not withstanding he has found favour in the eyes of the coach who sees him as a better finisher than the strikers available at the moment. Bright Osayi-Samuel and Sodiq Ismael will operate as the wingback.
Ademola Lookman who is by far the hottest player in the attack of the team at the moment is in a race against time to start in the game , as he is yet to arrive the camp of the team hence falling behind in preparation for the game.
Lookman is expected to be in the camp by Wednesday, which is around 48 hours before the game.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
