Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named his starting lineup for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Tanzania in Uyo on Friday, Footynaija reports.
Stanley Nwabali starts in goal, with Abdullahi Bewene at right-back. Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey will partner in central defence, while Ola Aina takes the left-back position. That decision leaves regulars Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi on the bench.
Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi and Tochukwu Nnadi make up the midfield trio, with Ndidi captaining the side. Alex Iwobi will play ahead of them in an attacking midfield role.
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Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams will lead the attack as Nigeria seek a win against the Taifa Stars.
Bewene’s inclusion is one of the notable decisions in Chelle’s lineup, while Marseille midfielder Nnadi also gets a starting opportunity in midfield. The coach has kept faith with several familiar faces, including Nwabali, Ndidi, Iwobi and Lookman.
Ndidi will anchor the midfield, while Iwobi is expected to supply the passes that bring Lookman and Adams into the game.
Nigeria go into Friday’s match after losing 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau, a result that left their AFCON qualifying campaign in a difficult position.
The Super Eagles need all three points in Uyo to improve their chances of reaching the 2027 tournament. The match is the first of two meetings with Tanzania, with the return fixture scheduled for November 17 in Dar es Salaam.
Chelle’s men will be under pressure to respond in front of their home fans and avoid another costly result.
