Kano Pillars Poster Boy Rested As Nigeria Name Starting XI Vs Equatorial Guinea

Nigeria coach Salisu Yusuf has announced his starting line-up for Tuesday evening's African Nations Championship Group C match against Equatorial Guinea at Stade Adrar, Agadir, starting from 2000 hours.

Yusuf has made one change to the starting eleven he used against Rwanda and Libya, bringing in Sunshine Stars midfielder Dayo Ojo to replace Kano Pillars veteran Rabiu Ali.

Ali picked up a knock in the Super Eagles clash vs Libya and the coach decided it was best for him to be rested ahead of a potential meeting with Congo or Angola in the quarterfinal.

He has opted to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation for the second consecutive game, and will stick with Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Emeka Atuloma as the defensive midfielders.

Along with Sunday Faleye and Emeka Ogbugh, Ojo starts in a three-man attacking midfield.

Nigeria Starting Line-Up Vs Equatorial Guinea (4-2-3-1) : Ikechukwu Ezenwa; Osas Okoro, Daniel Itodo, Stephen Eze, Kalu Orji; Emeka Atuloma, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi; Dayo Ojo, Emeka Ogbugh, Sunday Faleye; Anthony Okpotu

Ifeanyi Emmanuel