Keshi Names Starting Eleven To Face Iran

Stephen Keshi has nominated 11 players for Nigeria’s opening World Cup fixture against Iran at Arena da Baixada on Monday afternoon.

As expected, World Cup veteran Vincent Enyeama will skipper the side in the absence of Joseph Yobo, who drops to the bench.

Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor), Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea on loan to Liverpool), Efe Ambrose (Celtic) and Juwon Oshaniwa (MS Ashdod) will provide cover for the Lille numero uno.

Stephen Keshi is not taking any risk and has decided to field three central midfielders who have both offensive and defensive qualities in the center - John Obi Mikel, Eddy Onazi and a greenhorn at international level, Ramon Azeez.

Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce) and Victor Moses will lead the charge for goals.

Confirmed Starting Eleven
Enyeama; Ambrose, Oboabona, Omeruo, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi, Azeez; Moses, Emenike and Musa