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Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has named three Nigeria Professional Football League players in his starting lineup for their Unity Cup fixture against Ghana, Soccernet.ng reports.
Coming into the tournament, it was clear that Chelle wanted to explore and test new players out, and it is evident from his lineup against Ghana, as four players get their debut.
Stanley Nwabali keeps his place in between the sticks for the Super Eagles, as coach Chelle prefers him to Maduka Okoye.
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At the back, Remo Stars right back Ismaila Sodiq gets the nod to start. Then at the heart of the defence, Semi Ajayi partners Igoh Ogbu, while Bruno Onyemaechi starts at left-back.
In midfield. Papa Daniel Mustapha gets his Super Eagles debut. He is supported by veteran Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka.
Then, in attack, Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers returns to the starting lineup nearly a year after he helped Nigeria defeat Ghana. He is supported by Samuel Chukwueze and Remo Stars' Sikiru Alimi.
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Which formation is Eric Chelle using against Ghana?
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Coach Eric Chelle is using a 4-3-1-2 formation. There are four defenders, three midfielders, one winger, and two strikers.
Full Super Eagles formation
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Ismaila Sodiq, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Frank Onyeka
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Sikiru Alimi, Cyriel Dessers.
Who are the debutants in Nigeria's lineup against Ghana?
Coach Chelle has handed four players their Super Eagles debut. Three of them are home-based, and one plies his trade in Europe.
The three NPFL players who have been handed their debuts are: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Nigeria Tornadoes), and Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars).
The European-based player is Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague).
Ghana (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Benjamin Asare
Defenders: Gideon Mensah, Stephan Ambrosius, Aaron Essel, Mamudu Kamaradini
Midfielders: Razak Simpson, Abdul Samed Salis, Majeed Ashimeru
Forwards: Christopher Bonsu Baah, Jordan Ayew (C), Kwame Opoku
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It is impressive that coach Eric Chelle has given local players a chance to shine in the Nigerian national team – a brave and commendable move in developing homegrown talent.