Exclusive : Iwobi, Osimhen,Iheanacho, Chukwueze, Aina start as Rohr picks attack-heavy team vs Benin

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has selected an attack-heavy team for Saturday evening's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against hosts Republic of Benin at the Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto-Novo.

The German football tactician has kept true to his word by naming Sparta Rotterdam youngster Maduka Okoye as the starting goalkeeper and that decision sees Francis Uzoho taking a place on the substitutes' bench.

With Kevin Akpoguma not part of the roster, attack-minded defender Ola Aina has been given an opportunity at right-back with Zaidu Sansui deployed as the left-back while William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun are the two central defenders.

Wilfred Ndidi is joined in central midfield by Joe Aribo with Alex Iwobi shouldering playmaking duties.

The Super Eagles top scorer in the race for Cameroon, Victor Osimhen starts upfront and the Napoli striker is partnered by Kelechi Iheanacho, while Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze completes the lineup.

Three-time African champions Nigeria are looking for three points that will see them qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations as Group L winners and with a game to spare.

The Republic of Benin are unbeaten at home since 2013.