As the Super Eagles get set to face neighbours Benin Republic in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Saturday, Nigerian fans are looking forward to a positive start in the series.
Apart from starting on a victorious note, it is also pertinent for the three-time African Champions to avenge the 2-1 loss they suffered against the Cheetahs in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Abidjan in June.
After the contract terms imbroglio with German tactician Bruno Labbadia, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed its technical director Augustine Eguavoen to lead the team on an interim basis.
Unlike the depleted team under former coach Finidi George who tendered his resignation letter after just two competitive games, coach Eguavoen is blessed with a full complement of the country’s top Stars.
Despite having an array of talent, selection for the game should not be an issue for the coach.
Although returning goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been in great form for Udinese in the Italian Serie A with two clean sheets, it is safe and better to keep Stanley Nwabali in goal based on his recent national team form, and how he has bonded so well.
Calvin Bassey is better as a central defender, however, he is the best to start from the left-back position in the absence of Zaidu Sanusi, while William Troost-Ekong, Semilogo Ajayi and Ola Aina should complete the back four.
In a 4-3-3 formation, the vastly experienced Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika, who showed flashes of energy, vision and precision in the last international window, should play from the base of the midfield, while Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who scored in the 1-1 draw against South Africa in June, should get the nod ahead of them, just behind the striker.
Upfront, the returning Victor Osimhen should start alongside Moses Simon and Europe League winner and Ballon D’or nominee, Ademola Lookman.
Lookman and Simon can switch positions intermittently and are capable of bringing down the defence of the Cheetahs.
Predicted Super Eagles XI against Benin Republic
Goalkeeper
Stanley Nwabali
Defenders
Ola Aina
Calvin Bassey
Semilogo Ajayi
William Troost-Ekong.
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi
Raphael Onyedika
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Forwards
Moses Simon
Lookman Ademola
Victor Osimhen
