Aribo To Play Cap-tying Game; Ndidi, Iwobi, Ajayi, Akpeyi Start As Rohr Announces Starting XI Vs Benin

Published: November 13, 2019

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has announced his starting line-up for Wednesday evening's Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and there are no surprises, allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report.

It will be recalled that the former Bayern Munich defender revealed at Tuesday's pre-match press conference that the likes of Ola Aina, Joe Aribo, Samuel Kalu, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen will start against Benin - and this has come to pass.

Rohr also announced pre-match that Daniel Akpeyi is the top candidate to be in goal ahead of Ikechukwu Ezenwa and rookie goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and the German has stuck to his original plan by naming the Kaizer Chiefs star in his starting line-up

Chelsea Academy product Aina has won the battle for the right-back role ahead of Chidozie Awaziem, with Jamilu Collins occupying the left-back position while Semi Ajayi will partner William Troost-Ekong in central defence.

Everton's Alex Iwobi will line up ahead of Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo in the Super Eagles midfield.

Barring an injury in the pre-match warm up, the Glasgow Rangers star will become cap-tied to Nigeria for life after previously playing two friendly matches against Ukraine and Brazil.

Victor Osimhen will lead the attack and the Lille young star is flanked by Samuel Chukwueze and Samuel Kalu.

Nigeria's Starting XI Vs Benin : Akpeyi; Aina, Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Collins; Ndidi, Aribo, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Osimhen, Kalu

Ifeanyi Emmanuel