Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has selected his starting line-up for his team's Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal match against South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on Wednesday evening, allnigeriasoccer.com understands.
The German has decided to start first choice goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi in goal, with Kenneth Omeruo and William Troost-Ekong lining up as the center backs.
Fit-again SC Paderborn 07 star Jamilu Collins will be making his Africa Cup of Nations debut at left-back and Chidozie Awaziem retains his place at right-back, his fourth consecutive start at the tournament.
There is no place for John Obi Mikel who was an injury doubt before the game, with Rohr going for a three-man midfield comprising Oghenekaro Etebo, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.
The Stoke City and Leicester City players are the defensive midfielders while the Arsenal man has been handed playmaking duties.
Up front, Odion Ighalo is flanked by Ahmed Musa and Samuel Chukwueze, who is preferred ahead of Moses Simon and Henry Onyekuru.
Nigeria Starting XI Vs RSA : Akpeyi; Collins, Omeruo, Troost-Ekong, Awaziem; Ndidi, Etebo, Iwobi; Musa, Ighalo, Chukwueze