Three-time Afcon winners Nigeria trade tackles with Portugal today, Thursday, in the Super Eagles’ last match of 2022.
Head coach Peseiro has 23 of Nigeria’s best players to pick from in what is a compelling clash against his country of birth.
2016 European champions Portugal are the favourites to claim the win over the West Africans.
But which Super Eagles starting eleven can give Nigeria a good chance of victory in Lisbon? Soccernet.ng’s Imhons Erons makes the following pick.
Goalkeeper
GK: Francis Uzoho
Uzoho edges to the top spot ahead of Israel-based Adebayo Adeleye following his fine displays in October, including that incredible one-man showing for Omonia Nicosia against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Maduka Okoye is third-choice as he continues to hug the benches at Watford.
Defenders
RB: Tyronne Ebuehi, CB: William Troost-Ekong, CB: Kevin Akpoguma, LB: Calvin Bassey
Ola Aina’s absence due to injury leaves the right-back spot up for grabs.
Any of Tyronne Ebuehi and Chidozie Awaziem can be deployed to fill in for him, with the Empoli man the likely alternative, thanks to his impressive spell in Serie A.
Vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has none of his regular centre-back partners available, with Leon Balogun, Semi Ajayi, and Kenneth Omeruo not in Lisbon.
Hoffenheim’s Kevin Akpoguma could, however, seize the opportunity to show his ability at the heart of the defence.
The invitation of Boavista’s Bruno Onyemaechi gives head coach Jose Peseiro more left-back options following the injuries to Zaidu Sanusi and Jamilu Collins.
Calvin Bassey, though, remains first-choice if he can shrug off the knock threatening his participation.
Midfielders
DM: Wilfred Ndidi, CM: Oghenekaro Etebo, AM: Alex Iwobi
The return of Wilfred Ndidi to the Super Eagles set-up is a pleasing development.
The Leicester City ace guarantees stability for the midfield and a solid shield for the defence.
Midfield dynamo Oghenekaro Etebo is in great form at Greek side Aris FC, and his connection with Ndidi should be a plus against the Selecao.
Everton’s Alex Iwobi has been spectacular in the Premier League to get the nod ahead of Southampton’s Joe Aribo. Both could, however, start to give the Super Eagles the edge in the midfield battle versus the Portuguese.
Forward
FW: Ademola Lookman, FW: Moses Simon, CF: Terem Moffi
Nigeria have several attacking options in camp, including Paul Onuachu, Emmanuel Dennis, Cyriel Dessers, and Samuel Chukwueze.
But a front three of Lorient’s Terem Moffi flanked by Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman should cause Portugal many problems.
Moffi has ten goals in Ligue 1, more than any other player, bar Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Junior.
