Ilenikhena starts from bench as Chelle names Super Eagles XI for Guinea-Bissau qualifier
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named his starting lineup for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.
Both teams enter Tuesday’s clash with three points after winning their opening qualifying matches against Madagascar and Tanzania respectively.
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Stanley Nwabali keeps his place between the posts, while Chelle has made changes to the defensive setup for the second game of the qualifying campaign.
Ndidi leads unchanged midfield core
Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi will form part of the back four, with Bruno Onyemaechi completing the defensive line.
Wilfred Ndidi captains the side and starts alongside Frank Onyeka in midfield, while Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi also retains his place in the central area.
The Super Eagles will rely on Ademola Lookman for attacking creativity, with Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi selected to lead the frontline.
Ilenikhena and Chukwueze among substitutes
George Ilenikhena, who scored Nigeria’s equaliser against Madagascar after coming off the bench, will start Tuesday’s match among the substitutes.
AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina have also been named on the bench after starting the opening qualifier.
Nigeria will be looking to claim another victory and strengthen their position in the group, while Guinea-Bissau will aim to maintain their winning start on home soil.
Super Eagles starting XI
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman; Akor Adams, Awoniyi.