Jose Peseiro, the head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, has officially announced his starting lineup for the 2023 AFCON clash against South Africa.
As anticipated, Victor Osimhen, the talismanic forward, will lead the attack in the semi-final showdown at 6 p.m. today, February 7. Despite initial concerns over abdominal discomfort, Osimhen, the 25-year-old Napoli striker, has been cleared fit and trained with the team on Tuesday after flying to Bouaké.
Consequently, Peseiro has included him in the starting eleven, maintaining the lineup that secured victories against Cameroon and Angola, albeit excluding the unfit Zaidu Sanusi. Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahce replaces Sanusi, with Ola Aina switching to the left wing. Peseiro opts for his customary 3-4-3 formation, with William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Semi Ajayi in defense, Aina supporting Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi in midfield, and Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon leading the attack. The Super Eagles’ starting XI against South Africa comprises Nwabali, Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Osayi-Samuel, Onyeka, Iwobi, Aina, Lookman, Osimhen, and Moses Simon.