Exclusive : Oparanozie, Okobi, Ebere Dropped; Arsenal Ace Oshoala, Ordega Start As Nigeria Name Starting XI

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that Nigeria coach Florence Omagbemi has opted to drop French-based stars Desire Oparanozie (Guingamp FC) and Ngozi Ebere (PSG Ladies) from the starting line-up to face Mali at the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations on Sunday afternoon.

Bayelsa Queens FC netminder Jonathan Alaba has been preferred in goal ahead of Ibubeleye Whyte and Rita Akarekor.

The defenders are the experienced FC Minsk Belarus star Onome Ebi, Swedish-based Faith Ikidi, Ugo Njoku and Osinachi Ohale.

Skipper Rita Chikwelu starts in midfield for the defending champs, alongside Halimatu Ayinde and Osarenoma Igbinovia.

Arsenal striker Asisat Oshoala leads the charge for goals and she is supported by Uchechi Sunday and Francisca Ordega.

Nigeria Starting XI : Alaba, Ohale, Ebi, Njoku, Ikidi, Chikwelu, Ayinde,Ordega, Oshoala, Uchechi Sunday, Igbinovia.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel