The two main selection posers for coach Austin Eguavoen for tonight’s crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier against Benin in Abidjan will be in midfield as he maintains a 4-3-3 formation.
Should he start Raphael Onyedika ahead of Frank Onyeka as the second defensive midfielder alongside Wilfred Ndidi and who will deliver from the start in attacking midfield – Alex Iwobi or Fisayo Dele Bashiru?
From last month’s clash against Libya in Uyo, Onyeka started and Onyedika came in for Ndidi as the Super Eagles went all out for the winning goal.
Dele Bashiru, who was preferred to Iwobi in Rwanda in September, replaced Iwobi in the 74th minute and went on to score the match winner six minutes later.
It is expected that on-form Victor Osimhen has returned to lead the strike force, which means Victor Boniface returns to the bench after he failed to take his chance to establish himself in the national team against Libya.
Moses Simon started ahead of the inconsistent Samuel Chukwueze versus Libya and justified this with an outstanding display.
Kick-off time is 8pm in Nigeria.
Super Eagles Likely Starting XI: (4-3-3) – Nwabali- Bruno Onyemaechi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Ekong (Captain) – Ndidi, Onyedika or Onyeka – Iwobi or Dele Bashiru, – Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman
