Coach Aliyu Zubairu has named his starting XI for today’s Group B U20 AFCON opener against Tunisia with Auwal Ibrahim ‘Germany’ and Divine Oliseh getting his nod ahead of their direct rivals.
Auwal Ibrahim aka ‘Germany’ from Akwa United has been picked ahead of Croatia-based Israel Ayuma as the second defensive midfielder, while Oliseh will start ahead of El Kanemi Warriors star Sulyman Alabi ‘Jojo’ as the attacking midfielder.
Otherwise, the Starting XI has been settled since the team’s training camp in Abuja and was the same team that started in the 2-1 win over U20 AFCON hosts Egypt in a warm-up game on arrival in Cairo.
Harcourt Ebenezer is the man in goal, while captain Daniel Bameyi will play in the heart of the back four along with Emmanuel Chukwu of Hoffenheim, while Odinaka Okoro and Adamu Maigari are the fullbacks.
Croatia-based Caleb Ochedikwu, who featured at the 2023 U20 AFCON, is the main defensive midfielder along with ‘Germany’ and Divine Oliseh.
The strike force in this 4-3-3 formation has wingers Bidemi Amole and Clinton Jeptha to support centre-forward Kparobo.
Flying Eagles Starting XI vs Tunisis (4-3-3)
Harcourt – Okoro, Maigari, Bameyi (Captain), Chukwu – Ochedikwu, Auwal Ibrahim, Divine Oliseh – Amole, Kparobo, Jephta.
