AFCON2023Q: EPL stars Aina, Bassey, Awoniyi lead Nigeria’s starting XI

Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro has announced his starting lineup for the national team’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sao Tome and Príncipe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Omonia Nicosia glovesman Francis Uzoho has returned to the starting lineup after sitting out the matchday five fixture against Serra Leone due to accumulated bookings. 

Semi Ajayi is partnered in the centre of defence by Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, meaning Jordan Torunarigha starts on the bench. 

Boavista left-back Bruno Onyemaechi finally gets to make his international debut after he was an unused substitute in three previous matches, while Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina gets the nod at right-back over Tyronne Ebuehi. 

In the absence of Alex Iwobi, who hasn’t been called up due to injury, Wilfred Ndidi is joined in midfield by Club Brugge young star Raphael Onyedika. 

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Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman and in-form Nottingham Forest player Taiwo Awoniyi will operate further up the pitch, while Victor Osimhen is preferred over Bayer Leverkusen new star Victor Boniface to lead the attack. 

Nigeria’s starting lineup: Uzoho; Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iheanacho, Lookman; Awoniyi, Osimhen.