Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi is back in the team’s starting lineup in the last group game against Madagascar in the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The former Chelsea midfielder was benched in their 1-0 win over Guinea on Wednesday but the coach Gernot Rohr has now called his skipper into action for today’s game.
Rohr dropped five of the players that won against the Guineans including the goal scorer Kenneth Omeruo who has been replaced with William Troost-Ekong.
Midfielder Jogn Ogu will be starting for the first time as well as Oghenekaro Etebo who is the third player in midfield.
The naming of Samuel Kalu to the starting lineup is another highlight following his recovery from concussion that almost ruined his chances of featuring in the tournament. The Bordeaux of France winger will play in the attack alongside Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa.
Defender Ola Aina has retained his spot in the left back while Chidozie Awaziem will play in the right back position of the squad.
Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has also been rested as Ikechukwu Ezenwa is expected to have a taste of action.
Both Nigeria and Madagascar have qualified for the round of 16 but the winner of this tie will top Group B and will clash against the third-placed team in Group A/C/D or the runner up in Group F next weekend.
Super Eagles’ starting lineup: Ezenwa; Aina, Balogun, Ekong, Awaziem; Ogu, Etebo, Mikel; Kalu, Ighalo, Musa
