Awoniyi, Nwakali, Osimhen, Uzoho Start As Nigeria Announce Starting XI Vs Libya U23

Published: March 25, 2019

Nigeria U23s manager Imama Amapakabo has announced his starting line-up for the 2019 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

It had been suggested before now that Francis Uzoho would be the player in between the pipes, and this is now confirmed, with the Deportivo de La Coruña loanee getting the nod over Olawale Oremade.

Imama has also repeated the same back-line he deployed in the final workout, with Chidozie Awaziem and Valentine Ozornwafor the center backs, while Etiboy Akpan and Ebube Duru are the fullbacks.

Arsenal loanee Kelechi Nwakali and Rizespor's Azubuike Okechukwu start in central midfield; Orji Okonkwo starts in a more advanced position.

Victor Osimhen will partner Taiwo Awoniyi upfront while Samuel Chukwueze completes the forward line.

Rio Ave's Kelechi John and Spezia's David Okereke are amongst the seven substitutes, while Manchester United product Tosin Kehinde is not in the match day 18.

Nigeria U23 Starting XI Vs Libya : Uzoho; Etiboy Akpan, Ozornwafor, Awaziem, Ebube Duru; Nwakali, Okechukwu, Okonkwo; Osimhen, Awoniyi, Chukwueze

Substitutes : Oremade, John, Adebowale, Lazarus, Michael, Dennis, Okereke

Ifeanyi Emmanuel