Nigeria have confirmed their starting line-up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Group L opener marks Eric Chelle’s first match as Nigeria manager, with the Super Eagles having to begin their campaign without striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has been ruled out with a muscle injury, leaving Nigeria to rely on an attacking line-up featuring Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and George Ilenikhena.
Stanley Nwabali starts in goal, with Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi forming the defence.
Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka are selected in midfield, while Alex Iwobi joins Lookman, Chukwueze and Ilenikhena in the starting XI.
Nigeria: Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, George Ilenikhena.
Madagascar have also announced their team for the opening Group L fixture.
Geordan Dupire is named in goal, behind a defence of Kenji-Van Boto, Thomas Fontaine, Louis Demoleon and Sandro Tremoulet.
Fabien Boyer and Rayan Raveloson are included alongside Ibrahim Amada and Loic Lapoussin, with Arnaud Randrianantenaina and Hakim Abdallah completing the Madagascar line-up.
Madagascar: Geordan Dupire, Kenji-Van Boto, Thomas Fontaine, Louis Demoleon, Sandro Tremoulet, Fabien Boyer, Rayan Raveloson, Ibrahim Amada, Loic Lapoussin, Arnaud Randrianantenaina, Hakim Abdallah.