Nigeria vs Libya: Ighalo, Collins start, Iheanacho benched
Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr has handed a competitive debut to SC Paderborn left back, Jamilu Collins as Nigeria prepare to face Libya in the 4pm kickoff at the Godswill Akpabio international Stadium, Uyo.
Collins received his first call-up to the Nigeria national team for a Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Seychelles on 11 September 2018. But made his debut a day later in a friendly against Liberia.
The double-header against the Mediterranean Knights is a must win for Nigeria after they succumbed to an opening day defeat to South Africa before beating bottom team, Seychelles 3-0 away from home.
In midfield, due to the absence of Ogengyi Onazi through injury, Stoke City’s combative midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo slots into the double pivot role alongside Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi.
Asian sensation, Ahmed Musa continues to Captain the team in the absence of Mikel Obi, who was excused by the manager after he picked up a knock on duty for his Chinese club Tianjin Teda.
Musa has been the most in-form Super Eagles player from the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring goals for his Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and also netter in the game against Seychelles with a powerful volley off his weaker left foot and will hope to continue that form against Libya this afternoon.
Alex Iwobi, who missed the last game against Seychelles is slotted straight into the number 10 role and the biggest loser is Kelechi Iheanacho as the former Manchester City forward returns to the bench. And talking about returning players, William Troost-Ekong came back after missing the last game to form the now famous ‘Oyinbo Wall’ with Leon Balogun while Abdullahi Shehu takes back his right side of defence from Chidozie Awaziem.
Bordeaux’s Samuel Kalu keeps his place on the right wing while Odion Ighalo leads the line despite the huge clamour from fans to start Watford’s Isaac Success as the top striker.
Ighalo has under-performed in an Eagles shirt but he is the man on fire for his Chinese Super League (CSL) side, Changchun Yatai having scored 20 goals in his last 25 appearances for the club and Rohr hopes the striker can deliver the goods against Libya this afternoon.
Super Eagles XI against Libya: Francis Uzoho; Abdullahi Shehu, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Jamilu Collins; Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Samuel Kalu, Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa; Odion Ighalo.