Super Eagles starting XI v Guinea-Bissau: Arsenal and Chelsea alums start; Hale End product misses out

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that José Peseiro has named his starting lineup for the Super Eagles clash with Guinea-Bissau in the final group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

He has named Stanley Nwabali in goal for the third consecutive game but has handed a first start to former Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo who will be partnered by Arsenal alum Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey in the central defensive area.

Chelsea's Cobham product Ola Aina has kept his place in the side but might have to play at left wing-back as Bright Osayi-Samuel has also been given his first start of the tournament.

There is another change in the middle of the park as Arsenal's Hale End Academy product  Alex Iwobi drops to the bench and has been replaced by Joe Aribo who will play alongside Frank Onyeka in a two-man midfield.

In attack, Moses Simon has regained his place in the starting lineup having been named among the substitutes in the triumph over the Elephants.

The Nantes forward will be joined by AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Super Eagles will not only be bidding to qualify automatically but also top the group with a victory over Guinea Bissau as they are level on points with Equatorial Guinea heading into the final group game.

The three-time African champions will top the group if they beat the Wild Dogs and Equatorial Guinea get beaten by Ivory Coast.

Nigeria's starting lineup v Guinea-Bissau: Nwabali; Ajayi, Omeruo, Bassey; Ola Aina, Onyeka, Aribo, Osayi-Samuel; Moses Simon, Chukwueze, Osimhen

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid