Super Eagles predicted starting XI: Two ex-Arsenal stars, Chelsea product, Rangers duo to start

To qualify for the next AFCON edition in 2023, Nigeria will be opening their qualification journey against Sierra Leone at the M.K.O Stadium today in Abuja at 1700 hours.

Jose Peseiro is looking for his first win since his appointment as Super Eagles boss and allnigeriasoccer.com will be taking a look at the predicted starting lineup the Portuguese manager will announce at the M.K.O Stadium later today, based on the team's workout on Monday and Tuesday.

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Francis Uzoho

The goalkeeper put a torrid AFCON tournament and rumours of a call-up rejection to bed with a fine performance against Mexico and followed it up with a world-class one against Ecuador.

He is expected to man the sticks today and he will be aiming at putting in more of the Ecuador performance. He is also the most experienced among the goalkeeping options available in the squad.

Defenders

Right-back: Ola Aina

To maintain possession and control, Nigeria will need an attacking and a defensive balance that the Chelsea academy product provides. Having recovered from an injury scare before the Mexico game, he is in line to start.
 

Left-back: Calvin Bassey

Gradually becoming a mainstay in the side with his outstanding performances, Bassey offers so many variations and quality to the team.

The Rangers rising star has a rare ability to overlap and underlap effectively makes him a threat to any defence. His crosses are also invaluable.

 
Centre-backs: William Ekong and Semi Ajayi

The centre-back position is usually kept steady unless something drastic happens. Peseiro is expected to keep Ekong and Ajayi to avoid upsetting the balance for now.

Former Arsenal youth team skipper Ajayi's ability on the ball would also be instrumental in helping the team to keep the ball.

Midfielders
 

Central Midfield: Joe Aribo and Alex Iwobi

With Lorient midfielder Bonke suffering some fitness issues, Rangers man Aribo could well be the man to step up into the deep role. Iwobi on the other hand performed excellently in a deep-lying playmaker role against Ecuador and is expected to be utilised in the same role.

Aribo would have to sacrifice some attacking instincts to make this work without a hitch. Although, both are trusted by Peseiro.

Left midfield: Moses Simon

Despite some shaky performances during the tour in America, his ability to provide defensive cover in transitional situations gives him the edge over the likes of Ademola lookman.

His raw pace and running power will also be needed against a 4-3-3 attacking side like Sierra Leone.

Right midfield: Samuel Chukwueze

Any side will be lucky to have Chukwueze's abilities at their disposal. The Villarreal winger is a high-end transitional threat. His pace, power, trickery and direct running will serve well with Ola Aina's attacking capabilities.

Having won the Europa League under Unai Emery, Chukwueze is highly experienced despite his young age.

Strikers

Support striker : Sadiq Umar

His physical abilities will be instrumental if Nigeria opts to bypass the midfield to release pressure. His holdup play is good and would help bring the team up the pitch quickly. His profile is excellent for international games and his 18 goals, 12 assists in 36 (La-Liga 2) appearances portray someone who can finish off chances and is also capable of providing them.

Center forward : Victor Osimhen

The Napoli striker is one of the hottest properties in world football currently. His physicality, bullish nature, eye for goal, clinical finishing and mental toughness are impossible to ignore especially in key games such as this.

Nigeria's predicted starting lineup: Uzoho, Aina, Ajayi, Ekong, Bassey, Aribo, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon, Osimhen, Sadiq

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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