Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr is expected to make a number of changes in his starting line-up for Tuesday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde, Completesports.com reports.
The departure of UK-based players who returned to base following the unchanged stance of UK authorities concerning protocols and guidelines that must be observed by anyone returning to the country after visiting a country on their COVID-19 red label, of which Cape Verde is one means Rohr will have to replace some of his regulars against the Blue Sharks.
The absence of Olaoluwa Aina, William Ekong, and Leon Balogun probably means that Italy –based Tyronne Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem of FC Boavista in Portugal, and Spain –based Kenneth Omeruo will start the game.
Rohr is also short of options in midfield with regular starters; Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo, and Alex Iwobi not available for selection.
Malmo of Sweden midfielder Innocent Bonnke is expected to anchor the midfield. Rohr may opt to deploy the versatile Abdullahi Shehu to the midfield as he has done a couple of times.
The Super Eagles defeated Liberia 2-0 in their matchday one encounter at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos last week Friday.
A win will also brighten the path of the three–time African champions to the knockout final round, given that home-and-away fixture against the Central African Republic is what is on the plate in October.
EAGLES IN CAPE VERDE
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Valentine Ozornwafor (Sporting Charleroi, Belgium); Tyronne Ebuehi (Venezia FC, Italy);
Midfielders: Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF, Sweden); Kingsley Michael (Bologna FC, Italy); Adekunele Adeleke (Abia Warriors);
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France); Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos FC,
