Super Eagles XI vs Cape Verde: Rohr makes a big decision as Ighalo replaces Iheanacho

The Al-Shabab striker is back in the Super Eagles lineup for the first time in almost three years, but it comes at the expense of the Leicester City striker

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has dropped Kelechi Iheanacho for Odion Ighalo for Nigeria’s 2022 World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Ighalo is back in the squad for the first time since he retired from international duty after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

He missed the matchday squad for the clash against Liberia after arriving late to camp, but he is in the lineup for the encounter against the Blue Sharks.

The 32-year-old is the only change from the team that started against the Lone Stars. Rohr has decided to stick with the 3-5-2 formation with Chidozie Awaziem pairing with William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun in a three-man defence.

Jamilu Collins and Moses Simon are the wingbacks, while Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Alex Iwobi are the midfielders, with Ighalo supporting Victor Osimhen up front.

The Super Eagles need just a point to guarantee their place in the playoff round.