The Super Eagles will be up against Guinea-Bissau at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture on Friday afternoon.
Fans will be itching to see the 11 players that will take the field when the game kicks off at 5 pm.
There could potentially be surprises as four names (Victor Sochima, Kingsley Aniagboso, Daniel Bameyi and Bruno Onyemaechi) were called up for the very first time while the likes of Kenneth Omeruo, Semi Ajayi and Kelvin Akpoguma are making a comeback having featured for the national team in a while.
List of invited players for #GuineaBissau #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/w3rTeQZ15O
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 16, 2023
Afrosport takes a look at the potential starting XI Peseiro could name for the Guinea-Bissau clash.
Goalkeeper – Francis Uzoho
The Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper is expected to be unchallenged and retain his place between the sticks even as Sochima and Aniagboso are the other two goalkeepers called up in reserve.
Defenders – Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Kenneth Omeruo and Calvin Bassey
In defence, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi should start as right-back and left-back respectively. The latter has been a regular face in his position for the national team while the former only earned his first cap in November 2022 after switching international allegiance from England to Nigeria, and has played regularly for Turkish giants Fenerbahce this season.
The centre-backs should be a pairing of Kenneth Omeruo and Calvin Bassey. The former was last active with the national team during the AFCON 2021 tournament in Cameroon last January. He is one of the most experienced players in the team having been part of the triumphant side at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa. Bassey is one of the younger players in the team and teaming up with an experienced name like Omeruo brings a bit of balance and vibrancy.
Midfielders – Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo & Wilfred Ndidi
Peseiro only called up four midfielders in Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Frank Onyeka, the quartet plying their in the Premier League. Only Onyeka is not a regular for the national team with the other three playing very important roles in the middle of the park, and it is expected to remain that way against Guinea-Bissau.
Attackers – Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze & Moses Simon
Red-hot Napoli forward Victor Osimhen is expected to spearhead the attack. The 24-year-old already has five goals in the qualifiers which is the most of any player in the series. He will be looking to add to that tally and continue working his way towards reaching the late Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record of 37 goals for the national team.
On the flanks, Osimhen could be supported by Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze and Nantes’ Moses Simon. Both men have been regulars of their clubs this season and have been stable faces in the national team as well, and it should not change for Friday’s crunch game.
