Super Eagles starting XI: Chelsea product starts at wing-back, No. 10 role for Arsenal alum (full starting XI)

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro has announced his starting lineup for Thursday evening's highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations blockbuster clash against hosts Ivory Coast with three Chelsea and Arsenal youth team products starting from the off.

The Portuguese football tactician has made two changes to the team from last weekend's 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea.

Chelsea's Cobham product Ola Aina has been given the nod to start at right wing-back, meaning his rival Bright Osayi-Samuel has to settle for a place on the bench along with another player with a Chelsea connection Kenneth Omeruo.

Former Arsenal U21 skipper Semi Ajayi is part of a three-man central defence that also contains William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey.

The former England U19 skipper is set to take his appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations to double figures barring an injury in the pre-match warm-up.

Arsenal's Hale End Academy product Alex Iwobi has also retained his place in the starting lineup and has been deployed in a number 10 role - his thirteenth consecutive appearance for the Nigeria side at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Regarding the other starters, Stanley Nwabili is in goal and the front three consists of Chelsea and Arsenal-linked striker Victor Osimhen,  ex-Everton winger Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

The game will kickoff at 1800 hours Nigerian time at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

Super Eagles starting lineup (3-4-3); Nwabili; Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Zaidu; Chukwueze, Lookman, Osimhen

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com