Following their brilliant win over an Egyptian side that boasted one of the world’s finest footballers in Mohamed Salah, the Super Eagles are the overwhelming favourites to sweep aside matchday two foes, Sudan.
There were several top performers for Nigeria in that pleasant win over the Pharaohs, and coach Augustine Eguavoen could be tempted to retain the starting eleven that played with such style and swagger on Tuesday.
You do not change a winning team, right?
But tournament football requires that a coach keeps his players fresh and motivated, and it will not be out of place to see Eguavoen reshuffle his pack and give playing time to others.
All these were considered when putting together the likely starters for the Eagles against Sudan later today.
Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Maduka Okoye should continue in goal after making a crucial save and keeping his composure against Liverpool hero Salah.
At the heart of the defence, no change is expected as the centre-back pairing of Watford’s William Troost-Ekong and Leganes’ Kenneth Omeruo continue to develop the chemistry between them.
Both were impressive in caging Salah on matchday one.
The excellent Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi retain their starting shirts ahead of Tyronne Ebuehi and Jamilu Collins in the full-back roles.
In the middle of the park, Brentford’s Frank Onyeka may have to wait a while longer to make his Afcon debut as Wilfred Ndidi lineup beside the composed Joe Aribo.
Everton’s Alex Iwobi would be rearing to make his impact in Cameroon. Still, Moses Simon did so excellently against Egypt it would be unwise to keep him away from that left flank versus the Falcons of Jediane.
Kelechi Iheanacho produced the moment of quality in Garoua four days ago, and he should slot back into that hole behind the central striker.
A change is, however, expected on the Super Eagles’ left flank, where Samuel Chukwueze had a subdued game against Egypt.
Captain Ahmed Musa could get the not ahead of the Villarreal ace as his pace and ball delivery into the box could be crucial to unlocking Sudan, who are likely to switch on their all-man defence mode against the Eagles.
After a display full of vigour and energy on his Afcon debut, Taiwo Awoniyi is assured of another starting shirt on Saturday.
Eagles’ probable lineup against Sudan:
Okoye; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Sanusi; Ndidi, Aribo; Musa, Iheanacho, Simon; Awoniyi.
Musa have u people collected money from musa what is he going to play they should also bring back shehu
You people call journalists is part of our football problem
Bro its seems you have personal vandetta with Ahmed musa. If the coach deems him fit to play and interpreted his strategies why not. Ahmed musa is a good player. Samuel chukwueze did nothing on that pitch, before that game he would perhaps be your first pick. This is national team football. In all the coach will decide. When you become the coach, you also make your own decision of dropping Ahmed musa. For now, support the team.
Samuel Chukwueze didn’t have a lovely game because he was not given ball in the first half against Egypt.
All the balls were going to Moses Simon, you can watch the first half again. On the second half, the reverse was the case, balls where given to him but now tired legs was in play. That is why there are substitutions.
Even Moses Simon was tired in the second half and it showed as they kept taking the balls same as Samuel Chukwueze.
So, stop calling it subdued.
They should distribute the balls evenly so that one player will not run out quickly. The coach, Austin Eguavoen also said alike.
Thanks, the writer who referred to Chukwueze as “subdued” was not holistic is assessing the game therefore his opinion of Chukwueze is completely biased. Journalists have a way of bringing a player to limelight whereas they write-off another by their imbalanced write-up. Both player are good and the coach knows each person’s utility at every point in time. That’s not to say that the one not fielded is not good for the team rather there are player who fit into the strategy and game plan of the coach and this is per game demand. Go Eagles Go
Stop predicting starting 11 and your headline is confusing. Give us actual news
In all these the coach, the players fans alike should remember the experiences of our matches against Sierra Leone and Central African Republic CAR. Nobody should under-rate any team. Jay Jay Okocha adviced that they should play every game as if they are playing the final.
In all these the coach, the players fans alike should remember the experiences of our matches against Sierra Leone and Central African Republic CAR. Nobody should under-rate any team. Jay Jay Okocha adviced that they should play every game as if they are playing the final. However goodluck to the Eagles.