Nigeria coach Salisu Yusif, in search for the right balance for his misfiring strikers, has dropped Kingsley Eduwo from his starting lineup for Monday night’s make or break clash with rivals Ghana in the Wafu Cup.
Akwa United’s Friday Ubong has been called upon to partner the bulky Anthony Okpotu in leading the attack for the Super Eagles.
Also returning to the starting lineup are first-choice goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Rabiu Ali. The experience Ali who came on in the second half of the last game against Guinea is expected to play behind the strikers in Nigeria’s 4-4-2 formation.
The Super Eagles, with two points, must beat hosts Ghana to ensure their qualification into the semifinals of the Wafu Cup and their coach has already tasked the team to be up for the challenge.
“It is a must-win game; we are certainly aware of that,” Yusuf said.
“Definitely, we will look at making a few changes because this is one match we must show character and efficiency at the rear, and middle and the fore.
“Not only must we avoid defeat; we must win to make progress in the championship. That demands absolute seriousness and diligence and only the best legs will do,” the tactician added.
Ghana and Nigeria face off at the Cape Coast Stadium at exactly 1800 GMT.
Nigeria XI vs Ghana:
Ikechukwu Ezenwa – Osas Okoro, Chima Akas, Olamilekan Adeleye, Stephen Eze – Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Afeez Aremu, Rabiu Ali, Peter Eneji – Friday Ubong, Anthony Okpotu
Subs: Dele Ajiboye, Emmanuel Ariwachukwu, Daniel Itodo, Samuel Matthias, Kingsley Eduwo, Gabriel Okechukwu, Destiny Ashadi
Source: Footy-Ghana.com
