Super Eagles best starting lineup to face Mexico with ex-Arsenal stars, Chelsea product starting

Nigeria is set to face Mexico at the AT&T stadium in a friendly game in preparation for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers. The Super Eagles will be led by their new manager Jose Peseiro.

Ahead of the match between the two football giants, allnigeriasoccer.com has provided the Super Eagles best starting lineup that can hold their own against the Concacaf powerhouse, with a 4-2-3-1 formation chosen.

Goalkeeper: Francis Uzoho

Despite rumours of a call-up rejection from the goalkeeper, he showed up to honour his nation's call.

He is the most experienced among the goalkeeping options available to Peseiro and he may be handed the gloves to kick-start the Portuguese manager's reign.

Defenders

Right-back: Ola Aina

The Chelsea academy product will likely get the nod with his attacking and defending balance very crucial to Nigeria being able to hold on to the ball.

Left-back: Calvin Bassey

His performances for Rangers speak for him. He is in a rich vein of form. His ability to overlap and underlap is a great asset as he would be able to combine with any type of winger ahead of him.

Centre-backs: William Ekong and Semi Ajayi

This could be a very balanced pair as William Ekong will be the defence marshall tasked with controlling the backline.

Former Arsenal youth team skipper Semi Ajayi on the other hand could be instrumental in playing the ball out of the back effectively.

Defensive Midfield: Innocent Bonke, and Babatunde Bello

Lorient midfielder Bonke, who has made three appearances for the Super Eagles, will be instrumental in midfield as his hard-tackling capabilities will complement Bello's ability to move the ball quickly into the forwards and also make an influence on the attack.

One of the the most versatile players in the squad, Bello has shown his midfield potential by registering seven goals and two assists in 27 NPFL appearances and is yet to make his debut for the Super Eagles.

Left-wing: Alex Iwobi

The Hale End Academy graduate may be given the nod to start on the left-wing and his great combinational play abilities will be instrumental in releasing Ola Aina on the overlap.

Central/Attacking midfielder: Joe Aribo

The Rangers midfielder brings control and incisive penetration into the game. Nigeria will need this in order to relieve pressure and also mount attacks.

His return of nine goals and ten assists in 56 appearances appearances is a respectable return for the midfielder which shows how effective he can be if utilised in the right set-up.

Right-wing: Moses Simon

Simon is a burner. His pace, power, trickery and direct running will serve well with Calvin Bassey's underlapping abilities.

Striker: Terem Moffi

His physical abilities will be instrumental if Nigeria opts to bypass the midfield to release pressure. His 8 goals and 4 assists in 37 Ligue 1 appearances are not mouthwatering but his profile is very good for international games.

Nigeria's best starting XI : Uzoho; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Bonke, Bello; Aribo, Iwobi, Simon; Moffi

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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