Super Eagles confirmed starting XI: Iwobi, Lookman, Awoniyi, Iheanacho start; Uzoho gets the nod in goal 

Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has announced his starting lineup for the national team's 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Omonia Nicosia glovesman Francis Uzoho, the most used Nigeria player since the appointment of Peseiro, as expected starts in goal, with the Portuguese football tactician keeping faith in him despite struggling in the October internationals against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. 

Fenerbahce star Bright Osayi-Samuel has gotten the nod over Ola Aina for the right-back role, with Fulham's Calvin Bassey and West Brom's Semi Ajayi paired centrally and Cardiff City's Jamilu Collins set to operate at left-back.

In the absence of his first choice holding midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, Peseiro has opted for Brentford ace Frank Onyeka and Fulham star Alex Iwobi in central midfield, with Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho completing the engine room, though the Atalanta and Leicester City men are expected to be given the freedom to join the attack when the team is in possession. 

In a powerful-looking attack, Victor Boniface is partnered up front by Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, meaning Terem Moffi and Sadiq Umar are on the substitutes bench. 

The matchday one World Cup qualifier is expected to kickoff in Uyo at 1700 hours and both teams are permitted to use five substitutes. 

Nigeria starting lineup: Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Bassey, Collins; Onyeka, Iwobi, Iheanacho, Lookman; Boniface, Awoniyi

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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