The biggest selection poser for the Super Eagles in today’s AFCON Group D match against Sudan is whether or not Samuel Chukwueze will keep his starting XI shirt.
The Villarreal winger, who is widely regarded as one of the stars to shine in Cameroon, was below par in the 1-0 win over Egypt and was subbed off after 72 minutes.
He was outshone on the left flank by the more direct Moses Simon even though experts argued that even though he did not do much going forward, he helped the team by tracking back to defend.
Thankfully for Chukwueze, his replacement Chidera Ejuke did not exactly cover himself in glory either as he missed to big chances for Nigeria to double their lead.
‘Samu’ has been ordered in camp to step up his game as Henry Onyekuru and Alex Iwobi are both pushing to start in his place against Sudan.
Otherwise, coach Augustine Eguavoen will stick to the team who started against Egypt with experienced defender Kenneth Omeruo certified fit for action after he was forced out by injury in the same encounter.
A second straight win over the Nile Crocodiles will secure the Eagles passage to the knockout rounds and ease pressure on the team going into a final group game against more dangerous Guinea Bissau four days from now.
A victory would also give Eguavoen a chance to give a run out to the several players like Onyekuru, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and Kelechi Nwakali, who have been knocking on the first-team door.
Super Eagles likely starting XI vs Sudan today (4-4-2):
Maduka Okoye – Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo – Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze – Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi
