Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup for Tuesday evening’s glamour friendly against Russia following the conclusion of the Super Eagles’ team meeting, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.
Chelle has named a completely different starting lineup, with none of the players who started against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau included in the XI to face Russia.
With Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo unavailable for selection, SJK FC's Samuel James has been handed his debut and starts in goal.
Banik Ostrava defender Abdullahi Bewene will earn his third international cap at right-back, while Rangers centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez, Brentford defender Benjamin Fredrick and Portuguese-based left-back Isaac James complete the back four.
Chelle trialled his preferred diamond formation during the Super Eagles’ final training session on Russian soil, and the Nigeria boss has opted to deploy four players in midfield against the hosts.
Fulham youngster Chibby Nwoko is set to make his international debut in the middle of the park, with Vendsyssel FF midfielder Michael Stephen, Ikorodu City's defensive midfielder Aderemi Adeoye and George Wilfred Igor also starting.
Veteran forwards Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho complete the starting lineup.
The Russia versus Nigeria friendly is scheduled to kick off at 5pm at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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