Fulham defender Calvin Bassey will get his first Super Eagles start at the 2023 AFCON as coach Jose Peseiro aims to frustrate hosts Cote d’Ivoire and hit them on the counter.
Bassey is one of several changes to the starting XI from the opening game against Equatorial Guinea.
The other major change is the formation – from 4-3-3 to 3-4-3.
Injured Alhassan Yusuf has therefore not been replaced as widely expected as Peseiro has opted for three central defenders – Bassey, William Ekong and Semi Ajayi – as well as fullbacks Zaidu Sanusi and Ola Aina.
As first reported by SCORENigeria, this redesigned defence will have to be very compact and disciplined to keep out the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire as they attack cheered on by a packed Alassane Quatarra Stadium.
Peseiro has also maintained Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi in midfield, while wingers Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman flank striker Victor Osimhen.
Chukwueze gets first start ahead of Moses Simon.
The coach will count on their fast breaks for counter attacks and to keep the Ivorian defence on their toes and at bay.
Starting XI vs Cote d’Ivoire
(3-4-3)Stanley Nwabali- Calvin Bassey, William Ekong (Captain), Semi Ajayi – Zaidu Sanusi, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi – Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze