Official: Super Eagles XI vs Guinea-Bissau – Nwakali, Iwobi in, Awoniyi, Aribo out

The interim head coach of the Nigerian national team has made eight changes to the team that played against Sudan four days ago

Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has handed full debuts to ex-Gunner Kelechi Nwakali and former AS Roma starlet Umar Sadiq as Nigeria take on Guinea-Bissau in the last Group D match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Former U-17 World Cup winner Nwakali will be making his second appearance in Cameroon, having been introduced from the bench against Sudan on Saturday.

Rio Olympics bronze medalist Sadiq also gets the nod ahead of Union Berlin star Taiwo Awoniyi who had started both of Nigeria’s games at the Afcon.

Cypriot-based Francis Uzoho has been preferred in goal ahead of Kaizer Chiefs Daniel Akpeyi as Eguavoen looks to give goalkeeper Maduka Okoye a breather.

Only vice-captain William Troost-Ekong retains his spot in the Eagles’ four-man defence from the squad that did so well against Egypt’s Pharaohs and the Falcons.

In comes the trio of Tyronne Ebuehi, Semi Ajayi, and Jamilu Collins, and out goes Torino’s Ola Aina, Leganes’ Kenneth Omeruo, and Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi, respectively.

Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi has been tasked with pulling the strings in central midfield alongside Nwakali. 

Iheanacho, who smashed that sweet volley that shot down Egypt on matchday one, continues in attack, and he will look to link the midfield with Almeria’s striker Sadiq.

The two strikers will be flanked by CSKA Moscow dazzler Chidera Ejuke and Everton playmaker Alex Iwobi, as the Super Eagles aim to preserve their 100 percent win record at the Afcon against the Wild Dogs. 

Official Nigeria lineup:
Uzoho; Ebuehi, Ekong, Semi, Collins; Nwakali, Ndidi, Ejuke, Iwobi; Iheanacho, Sadiq

Official Guinea-Bissau lineup;
Maurice Gomis; Jefferson Encada, Opa Sangante, Sori Mane, Fali Cande; Bura, Moreto Cassama; Jorginho, Panutche Camara, Piqueti; Mama Balde