Nigeria have named their strongest starting line-up to face Mali on Thursday with Ubong Friday and Gabriel Okechukwu included in the front line.

The Super Eagles coach axed Anthony Okpotu and Samuel Mathias from his starting line-up that played in their opening 2-0 win against Sierra Leone in Cape Coast on Monday.

The injection of fresh blood into the starting line-up means the Super Eagles will be attacking-oriented as compared to the cautious approach they adopted in the match against Sierra Leone.

Goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye will remain on the bench as shot-stopper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who excelled in the match against the Leone Stars, will continue in the position.

Experienced right-back Osas Okoro will maintain his regular right-back position with Chima Akas keeping his place of at left back.

Kingsley Eduwo will remain the lone striker upfront with Rabiu Ali playing playing just behind the Lobi Stars goal-poacher.

Nigeria starting line-up: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Osas Okoro, Chima Akas, Ariwachukwu Emmanuel, Stephen Eze, Afeez Aremu, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Rabiu Ali, Gabriel Okechukwu, Kingsley Eduwo, Ubong Friday

Abayomi Ademetan


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