Stanley Nwabali is giving way to Francis Uzoho to start in goal to be joined by two debutant defenders Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu while Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi retain their defence spots for Nigeria.
The goalkeeper is one of eight changes made by Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle, has changed his line up as Nigeria meet Uganda in its last Group C match in a few hours’ time.
Victor Osimhen, apart from standing in as captain for rested Wilfred Ndidi, will combine with Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu in the attack for their first starts in Morocco.
Coach Chelle made a complete overhaul of the midfield, as he has entrusted Raphael Onyedika to anchor the centre of the pitch, to be supported by ‘Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Simon Chukwueze.
The full line up for the starting XI are Uzoho (GK); Bassey, Ugbo, Onyemaechi, Alebiosu; Onyedika, Dele-Bashiru, Chukwueze; Simon, Onuachu, Osimhen (c)
The Eagles in their first and second matches with Tanzania and Tunisia banged in a total of six goals, gnarring six points to lead Group C in the ongoing tournament. By this, Nigeria has qualified for the next round no matter the outcome of the encounter with Uganda,
Uzoho starts an AFCON match for the first time since AFCON 2022 where he also manned the post for the final group match against Guinea-Bissau Nigeria won 2-0.
He was also a late substitute in the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory over Cameroon at the round of 16 stage at AFCON 2024.
The 26-year-old will earn his 36th international appearance for the Super Eagles against Uganda
