Super Eagles starting XI: Nwabali, Tanimu home debut; Dele-Bashiru cap-tied; Ndidi, Iwobi in midfield

Nigeria manager Finidi George has announced his first starting lineup as substantive coach of the Super Eagles ahead of a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against South Africa's Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday evening, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

The big news is that the Nigeria Football Federation have finally cap-tied Manchester City academy product Fisayo Dele-Bashiru following his inclusion in the confirmed starting lineup. 

The versatile Hatayspor midfielder was previously eligible to represent the senior national teams of Germany and England. 

Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been given the nod to start in goal, meaning latecomer Maduka Okoye has been named among the substitutes. 

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations star is making his home debut for the Super Eagles after earning eleven caps in away grounds. 

The defence is composed of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Tanimu, who also makes his home debut. 

Alex Iwobi, Dele-Bashiru, and Wilfred Ndidi make up the midfield three, and the forward positions are occupied by Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, and Paul Onuachu.

Kickoff at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is 2000 hours Nigerian time. 

Super Eagles starting lineup v Bafana Bafana: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Tanimu; Ndidi, Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Lookman, Onuachu, Iheanacho

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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