Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named his starting XI for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Madagascar tonight.
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali will start between the posts.
Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi have been selected as the two full-backs, while experienced defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey will form the central defensive partnership.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi will anchor the midfield alongside Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi.
In attack, new boy George Ilenikhena will make his first start alongside Akor Adams, with Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze providing support from the flanks.
Super Eagles Starting XI:
Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, George Ilenikhena, Akor Adams.
By Adeboye Amosu
3 Comments
Perfect line up, let’s go guys.
Few of us saw this coming when Chelle unveiled the list of players he called up, while most of you condemned the thin midfielders on the list, myself and @ Christian predicted chukzy might play in the midfield.
Yes Femi, chukeueze is in a great form and I believe Chelle wants to leverage on that. I hope chukeueze will come to the party.
This is an all attack formation. Though I would have preferred we have onyeka to help cover up for ndidi and iwobi in the midfield just like we had it at the afcon.
Let us wait to see.