Iwobi To Captain Eagles As Chelle Makes Major Changes For Guinea-Bissau Clash
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made at least three changes to his starting line-up for today’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Guinea-Bissau, with Alex Iwobi taking over the captaincy from injured Wilfred Ndidi.
Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and debutant George Ilenikhena, who all started Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, have been left out of the starting XI for the encounter at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau.
Iwobi, who is Nigeria’s most senior international in the absence of Ndidi, will captain the Super Eagles in the Group L fixture.
The Fulham midfielder, who earned his 100th international cap against Portugal in a friendly in June, will operate in a reshaped midfield alongside Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.
Chelle has also opted for an attacking combination of Ademola Lookman, Jerome Akor and Taiwo Awoniyi, with Lookman expected to operate behind the two forwards.
Iwobi and Lookman will be given the freedom to move into the wide areas as Nigeria seek to exploit the flanks against the hosts.
The defensive line remains unchanged from the side that started against Madagascar, with Stanley Nwabali retaining his place in goal.
Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi will continue as the full-backs, while Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi retain their partnership at centre-back.
The Super Eagles go into the encounter on three points following their 2-1 victory over Madagascar, while Guinea-Bissau also have three points after beating Tanzania 2-0 in their opening Group L fixture.
Victory would give Nigeria a second successive win and strengthen their position in the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
Kick-off at the 24 September Stadium is 5pm Nigerian time.
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