For tonight’s friendly against African champions Algeria, West Brom defender Semi Ajayi will play as a standing defensive midfielder for the Super Eagles in the absence of Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Joe Aribo.
Highly-rated FC Midtjylland enforcer Frank Onyeka will also make his debut in a reshaped Super Eagles midfield caused by injuries.
Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Maduka Okoye gets his second cap ahead of Slovakia-based Matthew Yakubu, while the defence has a familiar look with Tyronne Ebuehi and the famous central defensive pair of Leon Balogun and William Ekong back in the groove.
FC Porto leftback Zaidu Sanusi is the only debutant in the backline.
As expected, late Victor Osimhen replacement Paul Onuachu leads the attack with Samuel Kalu and Samuel Chukwueze the wingers in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Super Eagles starting XI vs Algeria 4-2-3-1: Maduka Okoye – Zaidu Sanusi, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Tyronne Ebuehi – Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka – Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Samuel Kalu – Paul Onuachu
