Manager Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup for Wednesday night’s blockbuster Africa Cup of Nations semifinal clash against hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, central defender Calvin Bassey and midfielder Frank Onyeka have retained their positions in the starting XI, despite walking a disciplinary tightrope.
Chelle has named Bassey and Semi Ajayi as his centre-backs, with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi completing the back four.
In a move that was obvious in the days leading up to the semifinal match, Club Brugge star Raphael Onyedika will start in midfield in place of Wilfred Ndidi, who is serving a one-game ban and is not even on the bench.
Joining Onyedika in midfield is Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka.
Moving into attack, Victor Osimhen, just two goals shy of equaling Rashidi Yekini’s record as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, leads the line and he is supported by Sevilla’s Akor Adams and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.
Nigeria’s starting lineup against Atlas Lions: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Bassey, Ajayi, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Osimhen
