Super Eagles starting XI: Arsenal alum Tella cap-tied; Chelsea product Aina,Iwobi, Moffi, Aribo start; Iheanacho bench

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has announced his starting lineup for Sunday afternoon's crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Zimbabwe and Nigeria at the Huye Stadium, Butare.

The Portuguese football tactician has made six changes to the team that started the 1-1 draw against Lesotho on Thursday, November 16.

Omonia Nicosia glovesman Francis Uzoho once again has been given the nod to start in goal ahead of Enyimba's Olorunleke Ojo and Bendel Insurance's Amas Obasogie.

Chelsea's Cobham product Ola Aina is preferred over Fenerbahce's Bright Osayi-Samuel for the right-back role, and completing the back four are Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi, who comes in for Jamilu Collins. 

Arsenal academy product Nathan Tella, a non-playing substitute against Lesotho, will become cap-tied to Nigeria in the next three hours as he has been handed his debut by Jose Peseiro. 

Another player with an Arsenal connection in Fullham star Alex Iwobi starts in central midfield along with Brentford's Frank Onyeka.

Versatile Southampton player Joe Aribo, Moses Simon and Terem Moffi complete the starting lineup, meaning Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho starts on the bench.

Nigeria's starting XI: Uzoho; Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Iwobi, Tella, Moses Simon; Aribo, Moffi

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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