Official: Nigeria’s starting XI vs Central African Republic: Ahmed Musa in, Francis Uzoho out

Eleven Super Eagles players have been given the charge to restore the country’s battered image and bring the Wild Beasts back on their knees

Head coach Gernot Rohr has released his official team list ahead of the lunch-time kickoff of the Super Eagles’ crucial World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic.

The German tactician trusted most of the players who began their matchday four encounter, which Nigeria lost 1-0 on home soil to the same opponents four days ago.

The only exceptions are Sparta Rotterdam’s shot-stopper Maduka Okoye, who takes over goalkeeping duties from Cypriot-based Francis Uzoho, and captain Ahmed Musa, who starts ahead of Chidera Ejuke.

Chidozie Awaziem is also preferred at right fullback in place of Torino’s Ola Aina.  

Despite being largely at fault for Karl Namnganda’s stoppage-time winner on Thursday, Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong continue their partnership in defence flanked by Awaziem and Jamilu Collins.

Iheanacho was replaced at halftime in the first leg after suffering an injury. Still, he is fit enough to return to the creative role behind target man Victor Osimhen and just in front of the midfield duo of Joe Aribo and Frank Onyeka.

Captain Ahmed Musa becomes the third Nigerian to earn a century of caps for the national team. Along with Nantes Simon on the opposite flank, the centurion would be expected to deliver the right crosses for Osimhen to divert into the opponents’ net.

Nigeria’s starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Okoye; Awaziem, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Collins; Onyeka, Aribo; Iheanacho, Simon, Musa; Osimhen.