On-form Paul Onuachu looks set to lead the Super Eagles attack tomorrow against African champions Algeria, while FC Midtjylland midfielder Frank Onyeka has looked “very interesting” in training to start on his much-awaited debut.
Coach Gernot Rohr is taking this friendly seriously after Algeria stopped his team in the semifinal of last year’s AFCON in Egypt on their way to their second continental title.
He will therefore start most of the players he has worked with previously, while the fresh call-ups could get a run-in thereafter.
Onuachu is the man on fire in Belgium with seven goals so far and he will be considered ahead of Genk teammate Cyriel Dessers, who has struggled to impress back at his hometown club.
Wingers Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze will be expected to supply the big centre-forward the ammunition to gun down the North Africans, who are unbeaten in 18 matches.
In the absence of Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo, box-to-box midfielder Onyeka will be expected to partner Mikel Agu in holding midfield.
Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Maduka Okoye will get his first Eagles start after his debut against mighty Brazil last year.
It is expected that William Ekong will pair Semi Ajayi in the heart of the back with Jamilu Collins keeping his place at leftback, while Tyronne Ebuehi will most likely be considered ahead of Ola Aina at rightback.
