Confirmed Super Eagles starting XI: Arokodare full debut; Iwobi, Fredrick, Ekong start; Ajayi bench

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup for Friday's crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

 Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali will be aiming to take his clean sheets tally for the Super Eagles to ten following his inclusion in the starting lineup.

He is protected by a back four consisting of Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey,  William Troost-Ekong and Bruno Onyemaechi. 

With Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika unavailable for selection due to injuries, Chelle has picked Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi as the midfielders. 

There are attacking roles for Tolu Arokodare, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Victor Osimhen, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers deadline day signing making his full debut after six appearances off the bench. 

As expected, Akor Adams will not make his full debut this evening as he has been named among the substitutes. 

Joining the Sevilla forward on the bench are Adebayo Adeleye, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Samuel Chukwueze, Alhassan Yusuf, Amas Obasogie, Uche Christantus and Terem Moffi. 

Kickoff at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane is 1700 hours Nigerian time.

Nigeria starting lineup against Lesotho's Crocodiles: Nwabali, Fredrick, Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Onyemaechi, Ndidi, Iwobi, Arokodare, Lookman, Moses Simon, Osimhen. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com