Confirmed: Super Eagles XI against Cape Verde

Nigeria’s German gaffer Gernot Rohr hands international debuts to two youngsters for the team’s crucial matchday two encounter against the Blue Sharks

Young midfielders Innocent Bonke and Kingsley Michael have been named in the Super Eagles starting eleven to face Cape Verde at the Estádio Municipal Adérito Sena in Mindelo.

Head coach Gernot Rohr tasks Malmo midfielder Bonke and Bologna youngster Michael to anchor a three-man midfield with Musa as the most advanced.

As expected, Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Maduka Okoye started in goal behind the new centre-back pairing of Chidozie Awaziem and Kenneth Omeruo.

Versatile full-back Shehu Abdullahi takes his place on the right, with left-back Jamilu Collins the only defender left from the starting lineup against Liberia four days ago.

Exciting CSKA Moscow forward Chidera Ejuke earns his first competitive cap in a three-man attack that sees Nantes Moses Simon flank Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

Three-time African champions Nigeria need to avoid defeat to retain top spot in Group C after Liberia’s Lone Star edged their meeting in Monrovia with the Central African Republic 1-0 yesterday.