Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu has made as many five changes to his starting XI for this afternoon’s third-place against hosts Egypt at the 2025 U20 AFCON.
Some of the changes have been forced upon him by injury and suspension.
First-choice goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt has failed to recover from a knock he suffered in the semifinal against South Africa.
Ajia Yakub, who made the howler that eventually led to Nigeria’s loss to South Africa, will get his first start in goal.
Impressive leftback Odinaka Okoro is suspended for today’s game after he picked up his second booking in the knockout rounds and in his place will be midfielder Auwal Ibrahim ‘Germany’.
‘Germany’ is a versatile player, who plays both as a defensive and attacking player, and he got Nigeria off to a winning start at this tournament with his match winner against Tunisia in an opening Group B match.
Coach Zubairu has also overhauled the attack, which has struggled to find the back of the net with regularity in Egypt.
He has dropped Norway-based striker Kparobo Arierhi for Hoffenhein youngster Precious Benjamin, while Anthony Kpangu and Clinton Jephta will be the two wingers in a 4-3-3 formation.
In midfield, Yushau Armiyau of Katsina United gets his first start in this competition to play alongside Israel Ayuma and Suleyman Alabi.
Kick-off time today is 4pm Nigerian time.
Flying Eagles Starting XI vs Egypt (4-3-3)
Yakub – Auwal Ibrahim, Adamu Maigari, Bameyi (Captain), Chukwu – Ayuma, Arimiyawu, Alabi – Kpangu, Benjamin, Jephta
