2026 WCQ: Eight things to note on Super Eagles starting lineup against Lesotho

Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has announced his starting lineup for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Allnigeriasoccer.com's editorial staff  brings you eight things to note on the starting lineup to face the Crocodiles.

1) The average age of today's starting lineup is 25.91 years, with Semi Ajayi the oldest at 30 years and Victor Boniface the youngest at 22 years. 

2) Jose Peseiro has made eight changes from the side that beat Mozamique 3-2, bringing in Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Jamilu Collins, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi.

3) Five players in the starting lineup are 25 and younger: Francis Uzoho, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Frank Onyeka (25); Calvin Bassey (23) and Victor Boniface (22).

4) Francis Uzoho and Kelechi Iheanacho are the two survivors of the starting lineup that narrowly lost to Argentina in Nigeria's last game at the World Cup back in 2018.

5) Iheanacho captains the Super Eagles today in the absence of Ahmed Musa, William Troost-Ekong and Wilfred Ndidi, while senior players Kenneth Omeruo and Moses Simon are on the bench. 

6) Semi Ajayi and Calvin start a game together in central defense for the fourth time. They were paired centrally twice against São Tomé and Príncipe in AFCON qualifying and in last month's friendly against Saudi Arabia. 

7) Francis Uzoho makes his 12th start from a possible thirteen under Jose Peseiro - more than any other player in the squad. 

8) Four starters are products of Nigeria's youth teams : Francis Uzoho (2013 Golden Eaglets), Semi Ajayi (2013 Flying Eagles  Toulon Tournament), KelechI Iheanacho (2013 Golden Eaglets), Taiwo Awoniyi (2013 Golden Eaglets).

Nigeria starting lineup: Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Bassey, Collins; Onyeka, Iwobi, Iheanacho, Lookman; Boniface, Awoniyi

Substitutes: Obasogie, Ojo, Aina, Onyedika, Moffi, Aribo, Tella, Simon, Umar, Awaziem, Onyemaechi, Omeruo

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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