Nigeria coach Éric Chelle has opted for a youthful and unfamiliar starting side for Tuesday’s Unity Cup semi-final against Zimbabwe at The Valley in London, Footynaija reports.
The Malian tactician has used the invitational tournament to test fresh options, and several new faces have been thrown straight into the action from the first whistle.
One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of Arthur Okonkwo, who will make his senior debut in goal for the Super Eagles. The Wrexham shot-stopper gets the nod ahead of Francis Uzoho, despite expectations that the more experienced goalkeeper would start and captain the side.
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In defence, Chelle has paired Igoh Ogbu with Chibuike Nwaiwu at centre-back, while Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke occupy the full-back positions.
Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi is also handed a rare opportunity from the start alongside Tijani and Alhassan Abdullahi in the middle of the park.
With regular leaders unavailable, Terem Moffi has been trusted with the captain’s armband. The Porto forward leads an attacking line that also includes Philip Otele and debutant Femi Azeez, whose inclusion has generated excitement among supporters eager to see what the winger can offer at international level.
Nigeria will face either Jamaica national football team or India national football team in Saturday’s final if they overcome Zimbabwe.
Nigeria starting XI vs Zimbabwe: Okonkwo; Oputa, Igboke, Ogbu, Nwaiwu; Abdullahi, Nnadi, Tijani; Azeez, Otele, Moffi
Substitutes: Uzoho, Atata, Oyedokun, Adeoye, Elias, Durosinmi, Oseni, Ayobami, Tijani
