Nigeria vs Mali: Super Eagles predicted XI – Onyeka out, Onyedika in

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Les Aigles of Mali in an international friendly game tomorrow as they wrap up the March international break, Soccernet.ng reports.

Finidi George was on the touchline as he heralded the Super Eagles to a 2-1 win over Ghana last Friday in what was a dominant display. He will continue with his task as a stand-in coach when Nigeria take on Mali tomorrow.

The Super Eagles will be without Calvin Bassey, who has returned to Fulham due to injury problems, and Frank Onyeka, who departed the team camp to return to Brentford due to personal reasons.

With these players out, coach Finidi would have to make some tweaks to the team. Soccernet.ng predicts the Super Eagles’ lineup with the players available in the Nigerian camp.

Goalkeeper: Despite conceding a late penalty in Nigeria’s win over Ghana, Stanley Nwabali put in another impressive performance in a Super Eagles shirt. Without a doubt, he’ll be expected to start in goal against Mali, except Finidi wants to give a rare start to his club side goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo, or Omonia Nicosia’s Francis Uzoho.

Defenders: With Kenneth Omeruo back to full fitness after missing the Ghana game, Chidozie Awaziem might have to make way for the team captain. Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Samuel-Osayi will most likely retain their wing-back spots. Benjamin Tanimu and Semi Ajayi will be expected to partner Omeruo in the back three central defense system employed by Finidi against Ghana, but with Awaziem on the bench against Mali.

Midfielders: Following Onyeka’s exit, Raphael Onyedika will be the preferred choice as he impressed in his short stint off the bench against Ghana. The Club Brugge midfielder will most likely partner Wilfred Ndidi in a midfield pivot, with Fulham’s Alex Iwobi in a slightly advanced position, operating in his favourite attacking midfielder role.

Forwards: The combination of Cyriel Dessers and Kelechi Iheanacho caused problems for Ghana’s defence last time out. Considering the profiles of the two strikers, both players complement each other and are expected to start against Mali.

 

The line-up in full: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Tanimu, Kenneth Omeruo, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika; Alex Iwobi; Kelechi Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessers.

 

N.B: We want to know your thoughts. Do you have a different lineup in mind? Let us know in the comments.