The Super Eagles begin life after the Africa Cup of Nations with a squad that resembles the team that finished second in the tournament
Stand-in coach Phinidi George has named his squad to face Ghana’s Black Stars in an international match, Nigeria’s first since their AFCON loss to Ivory Coast.
The unavailability of William Troost-Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi and Victor Osimhen, who all started in that final, saw the team revamp and bring in new players.
This game will be a stern test of George’s credentials and there is the added pressure of starting in his midfield role against arch-rivals Ghana.
How the Super Eagles will start against Ghana
![icon 75322140](https://www.afrik-foot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/icon-75322140-1024x763.jpg)
![icon 75322140](https://www.afrik-foot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/icon-75322140-1024x763.jpg)
Stanley Nwabali continues in goal after his AFCON appearance to take over from Francis Uzoho who starts from the bench.
Fenerbache’s Bright Osayi-Samuel will start at right-back while Bruno Onyeamachi has been selected for the left-back area.
New face in defense
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![iconsport 75225106](https://www.afrik-foot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/iconsport-75225106-1024x683.jpg)
In the center of defence, West Brom’s Semi Ajayi starts while George has opted to hand former Bendel Insurance captain Benjamin Tanimu his full debut with Chidozie Awaziem also set to start.
Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the AFCON, is back in the squad and will captain the side as he starts alongside Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka.
As predicted by arik-foot.com earlier, Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Glasgow Rangers’ Cyril Dessers are the two strikers being mentioned in a 3-5-2 formation that can transform into a 4-4-2.
George looks set to stick with the AFCON system, with a possible switch to his preferred 4-4-2 involving a central defender (likely Tanimu) moving into midfield, while Bruno and Osayi-Samuel drop back into the full-back positions .
Nigeria have confirmed their starting line-up against Ghana
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem
Means: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Benjamin Tanimu
Front: Kelechi Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessers
Substitutes
Francis Uzoho, Leke Ojo, Jamilu Collins, Ademola Lookman, Sadiq Umar, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nathan Tella, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Calvin Bassey, Kenneth Omeruo, Moses Simon