Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia has dropped defender Zaharadeen Bello for Chizoba Amaefule for tonight’s Group B clash against Egypt in Mbour.
The more experienced Amaefule replaced Bello, who is the youngest player on the Nigerian squad, in the heart of the back four in the second half on Sunday after Nigeria collapsed and Mali fought back to end the game 3-2.
Bello from Kano Pillars was an ever-present when Nigeria won the 2015 African Youth Championship also in Senegal in March, while Amaefule featured for Nigeria at the 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup in Turkey.
Siasia has struck to his twin strike force of Junior Ajayi and taiwo Awoniyi even though Awoniyi posted a quiet game on Sunday.
Nigeria Starting XI vs Egypt – Emmanuel Daniel – Ndifreke Effiong, Sincere Seth, Segun Oduduwa, Chizoba Amaefule – Azubuike Okechukwu (skipper), Usman Mohammed, Oghenekaro Etebo, Stanley Dimgba – Taiwo Awoniyi, Junior Ajayi