By Milcah Tanimu

Nigeria’s manager, Jose Peseiro, has unveiled the starting lineup for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations match against Guinea-Bissau. The match is scheduled to take place at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, with a kickoff time of 1800 hours Nigerian time. The lineup features four changes from the previous game against Ivory Coast.

The changes in the starting XI include Kenneth Omeruo stepping in for William Troost-Ekong in the center of defense, and Joe Aribo taking the place of Alex Iwobi. Bright Osayi-Samuel’s inclusion means that Porto fullback Zaidu Sanusi will not be starting, and Moses Simon has been preferred over Ademola Lookman.

Fenerbahce star Bright Osayi-Samuel is set to make his first-ever start at the Africa Cup of Nations after appearing as a substitute in the initial two games against Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast. The starting lineup also features Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Victor Osimhen, and Samuel Chukwueze.

Notably, Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho will have to wait for his first start at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, as he has been omitted from the starting lineup.

Nigeria’s Starting XI against Guinea-Bissau: Nwabali; Ajayi, Omeruo, Bassey; Ola Aina, Onyeka, Aribo, Osayi-Samuel; Moses Simon; Chukwueze, Osimhen.