Aina, Bassey, Iwobi, Ndidi, Boniface start; Ajayi benched for first time in 14 games; Ejuke among subs

Nigeria's interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has announced his starting lineup for Friday evening's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya's Mediterranean Knights, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Stanley Nwabali remains Nigeria's number 1 as the Chippa United captain has been chosen for a starting role ahead of Udinese's Maduka Okoye, who has posted three clean sheets in eight games so far this season.

In what looks like a 4-3-3 formation, captain William Troost-Ekong is partnered in central defence by Fulham's Calvin Bassey, with Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina and Boavista's Bruno Onyemaechi occupying the right-back and left-back positions respectively. 

The change in formation sees West Brom central defender Semi Ajayi drop to the bench for the first time in fourteen international games. 

Brentford loanee Frank Onyeka makes his first start since the friendly against Ghana in March 2024 and completing the midfield three are Leicester City ace Wilfred Ndidi and Fulham man Alex Iwobi.

Bayer Leverkusen sensation Victor Boniface will lead the line and he is flanked by Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and Nantes winger Moses Simon.

Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have been named among the substitutes. 

Confirmed Nigeria starting lineup versus Libya: Nwabali, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi,; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Boniface,  Moses Simon.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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