Coach Ladan Bosso will go with a strong starting XI when the Flying Eagles take on their Zambian counterparts in an U20 AFCON warm-up game today in Abuja.
SCORENigeria watched the team’s final training at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja Thursday evening to scoop the likely starting XI.
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro watched the hour-long workout inside the mainbowl of the stadium.
The likely starting team wore red training bibs.
Bosso favours a 4-3-3 formation, which allows for two wingers and a top striker.
First-choice goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu will be protected by a back four of fullbacks Augustine Njoku and Solomon Agbalaka along with central defenders Abel Ogwuche and Daniel Bamaiyi.
Turkey-based central defender Michael Ologo, who has already been capped at U23 level, will therefore have to start from the bench.
The midfield will parade two defensive midfielders Daniel Daga and Onuche Ogbelu to show Bosso will be a little cautious, while Samson Lawal will be the attacking midfielder.
The three-man attack will parade wingers Emma Uchegbu and Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Ibeji’ with Olamilekan Adams as centre-forward.
The Flying Eagles top talent Jude Sunday will start from the bench with Bosso to bring him in as an impact player.
Uchegbu from Plateau United has in recent weeks been solid on the right flanks even weighing in with some goals.
Adams from Remo Stars has scored in the last two friendlies playing in a new role as centre-forward.
He has been considered ahead of Segun Otusanya and Francis Ayuba, a forceful striker who has dropped down the pecking order after he was first-choice in the December training camp.
Flying Eagles Starting XI (4-3-3)
Nathaniel Nwosu – Solomon Agbalaka, Augustine Njoku, Abel Ogwuche, Daniel Bamayi (Captain) – Daniel Daga, Onuche Ogbelu, Samson Lawal – Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Ibeji’, Olamilekan Adams, Emma Uchegbu
