Iwobi, Omeruo, Mikel, Ndidi Start; Shehu Risked As Nigeria Unveil Starting XI Vs Burundi

Gernot Rohr has announced the Super Eagles starting line-up for their Africa Cup of Nations opener against Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria, starting from 1800 hours on Saturday.

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi gets the nod to be in goal for the fourth straight international, meaning Francis Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa are on the bench.

Rohr has taken a risk by opting to start Bursapsor's Abdullahi Shehu who suffered a training ground injury on Friday which required treatment.

Ola Aina starts at fullback, with Kenneth Omeruo and William Troost-Ekong lining up in central defence.

The three-man midfield contains three players who played for English clubs last season - Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo.

Paul Onuachu has been preferred ahead of Odion Ighalo to lead the attack; Samuel Chukwueze gets the nod on the right wing and Alex Iwobi is on the other side.