The Flying Eagles will tonight hope to get their U20 AFCON campaign back on course tonight with victory over hosts Egypt after a disappointing opening day loss to Senegal.
The Flying Eagles have their backs against the wall tonight as they want to quickly put behind them a 1-0 loss to the Junior Teranga Lions Sunday night.
The team of Ladan Bosso were a pale shadow of the side who had gone unbeaten in 19 games before the defeat to Senegal as they struggled to get going in attack.
The attack that has been the pride of the team huffed and puffed for long periods in the West African Derby.
Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’ was the team’s leading scorer in the qualifiers in May 2022 with three goals.
He was a late arrival in training camp, was match rusty and even struggled to get goals for the team.
Against Senegal, ‘Beji’ failed to rise to the occasion as he has been known to with an individualistic display that further hurt the Flying Eagles.
Jude Sunday replaced the winger early in the second half, but he will again start from the bench as Nigeria fight to stay alive at Egypt 2023.
The Real Sapphire star was more direct and purposeful when he was brought on.
Haliru Sarki, on the right flank, was better than ‘Beji’ and should keep his place even though Emmanuel Uchegbu is also lurking on the wings.
Remo Stars forward Olamilekan Adams will give way to Nasarawa United striker Francis Ayuba after he did not deliver as the arrowhead of the attack versus Senegal.
Goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu has dropped to the bench for Chijoke Anigboso to be the man between the sticks.
Mohammed Aminu from Gombe United is the direct replacement for the injured Daniel Daga to complete the three changes to the starting XI against Senegal.
Kick-off time is 6pm tonight.
Flying Eagles starting XI vs Egypt (4-3-3)
Chijioke Anigboso – Solomon Agbalaka, Augustine Njoku, Daniel Bamaiyi (Captain), Benjamin Frederick – Onuche Ogbelu, Mohammed Aminu, Samson Lawal – Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’, Francis Ayuba, Haliru Sarki
