Confirmed Nigeria starting XI: Rangers duo, Iheanacho, Awaziem start; ex-Chelsea stars bench

Published: October 10, 2021

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has announced his starting line-up for Sunday afternoon's 2022 World Cup qualifying match against Central African Republic at Stade Omnisport de Bepanda in Douala.

Rohr suggested pre-match that he was going to make two or three changes to the team that lost 1-0 in the first leg three days ago.

One of those changes sees Maduka Okoye replace Francis Uzoho in between the pipes.

It will be a back three of Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong and Chidozie Awaziem in front of the Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper.

In what appears to be a 3-5-2 formation, Jamilu Collins and Moses Simon will operate as the left and right wing-back respectively.

Former Chelsea stars Ola Aina and Kenneth Omeruo have both missed out on the starting line-up and will initially watch proceedings from the bench.

Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka makes his second consecutive start for the Super Eagles for the first time in his career and joining him in the middle of the park is Joe Aribo, while Kelechi Iheanacho has been handed playmaking duties.

Victor Osimhen will spear-head the attack, and will be supported by captain Ahmed Musa.

Nigeria starting line-up vs CAR : Okoye; Awaziem, Balogun, Troost-Ekong; Simon, Aribo, Onyeka, Collins, Iheanacho; Osimhen, Musa.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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