Troost-Ekong aims to equal record held by Keshi and seven other things to note on Nigeria starting XI

Jose Peseiro has announced his starting lineup for the Super Eagles' 2023 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match against Cameroon at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com brings you eight things to note on the starting lineup to face the Indomitable Lions. 

1) The starting lineup has an average age of 26.91 years with William Troost-Ekong the oldest at 30 years and 148 days and Calvin Bassey the youngest at 24 years and 27 days. 

2) The starting lineup averages seven caps at the Africa Cup of Nations. Alex Iwobi leads the way with fourteen appearances, while three players have played in three games: Stanley Nwabali, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey.

3) Jose Peseiro has made four changes to the lineup from Monday's 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau, inserting Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Zaidu Sanusi and Ademola Lookman. 

4) Troost-Ekong will equal the legendary Stephen Keshi as Nigeria's highest scoring defender at the Africa Cup of Nations if he finds the net against the Indomitable Lions. Former Super Eagles captain Keshi netted four goals at the AFCON. 

5) Semi Ajayi starts the ninth consecutive competitive match played by the Super Eagles, more than any other player in the side. 

6) Seven players have Premier League experience: Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey, Aina, Iwobi, Onyeka and Lookman 

7) Six of the eleven starters are dual nationals: Ajayi (England), Troost-Ekong (Netherlands), Bassey (Italy), Aina (England), Iwobi (England) and Lookman (England). 

8) Four starters have ties to Nigerian academies : Onyeka (FC Ebedei Academy), Zaidu (Jega United Football Academy), Victor Osimhen (Ultimate Strikers Academy) and Moses Simon (Golden Boot Soccer Academy)

Super Eagles' starting lineup v Indomitable Lions: Nwabali; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Zaidu; Moses Simon, Lookman, Osimhen 

Substitutes: Uzoho, Yusuf, Musa, Aribo, Chukwueze, Osayi-Samuel, Iheanacho, Onuachu, Awaziem, Omeruo, Moffi, Onyedika

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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