For this afternoon’s World Cup qualifier against Central African Republic, Francis Uzoho will start in goal for the Super Eagles, while Maduka Okoye has been dropped to the bench as coach Gernot Rohr has hinted.
Uzoho was last in goal in 2019 in a friendly against Brazil and his injury will hand Okoye his debut for the Eagles.
He was the preferred choice at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Rohr has since declared Sparta Rotterdam shot stopper Okoye as his No 1.
He has kept all six matches played by the Super Eagles this calendar year.
However, he blasted the Germany-born goalie for being “unprofessional” for missing his flight to Nigeria for the qualifiers and in the process joining training camp late.
Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka and Russia-based winger Chidera Ejuke have also been handed Eagles starting places.
Super Eagles Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Uzoho – Jamilu Collins, Ola Aina, William Ekong (Captain), Leon Balogun – Frank Onyeka, Joe Aribo – Chidera Ejuke, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon – Victor Osimhen