Fenerbache defender Bright Osayi-Samuel will get his Super Eagles start at the AFCON today against Guinea Bissau.
The one-time winger can play on both flanks and has now been considered ahead of Zaidu Sanusi, who was picked ahead of him in the Eagles first two group games at this tournament.
FC Porto ace Zaidu has got the job done for the Super Eagles even though he could have offered more particularly going forward.
The Kebbi-born defender also put his body on the line against AFCON hosts and it has taken its toll with a minor knock.
Osayi’s introduction will freshen the same defence coach Jose Peseiro has kept faith with at this AFCON – Zaidu, Ola Aina, William Ekong, Semi Ajayi.
He suffered food poisoning in Abidjan, which ruled him out of the opening group game against Equatorial Guinea, but was a late sub against hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
The 26-year-old Osayi has now won eight caps with Nigeria after his Super Eagles debut in November 2022.