Nigeria’s preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations has begun in earnest, with the coaches and backroom staff arriving in Cairo, Egypt, for a residential camping programme ahead of the tournament.
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle is already on the ground, with Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali the first player to arrive in camp as of Sunday morning.
The team will play a closed-door friendly against Egypt at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, 16th December, before flying aboard a chartered flight from Cairo to Fès, their base for Group C, two days later.
Chelle and his wards will begin their campaign with a clash against Tanzania, as the three-time champions take on the Taifa Stars on 23rd December.
Ahead of their opening group game, Footy-Africa teamed up with former Nigeria international Emmanuel Okoduwa to predict the team that will start the first fixture against Tanzania.
The former Strasbourg winger selected a 4-3-3 system, which he says is typical of how Eric Chelle prefers to set up his teams.
Goalkeeper
“I expect Stanley Nwabali to start the game, even though there have been reports of minor complaints with his hand.
For him to be included in the squad means the coaches are confident he will be fit. I expected Maduka Okoye to give him a strong challenge, but he is unavailable for now, so I see Nwabali starting in goal.”
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Defenders
“This area has been depleted, as captain William Troost-Ekong and Benjamin Fredrick will not be available. It is unfortunate, but I still believe the team can do well defensively.
I expect to see Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey as the two centre-backs, with Zaidu Sanusi and Bright Osayi-Samuel operating at left-back and right-back respectively.
Personally, I would have loved to see the new boy, Ryan Alebiosu, feature there, but I am not sure Chelle would want his first cap to come in a tournament opener.”
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Midfielders
“This is one area many Nigerians have expressed concerns about, particularly regarding creativity, but I still think Chelle will stick with his trusted options.
I see Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka starting as the three-man midfield.
Although I have a soft spot for Raphael Onyedika, the first three I mentioned are more likely to get the nod.”
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Attack
“Victor Osimhen is the undisputed star of the team and one of the best strikers in the world at the moment, so it is a no-brainer for him to start.
I think Chelle will go with Ademola Lookman on the left side of the attack, while Samuel Chukwueze, who is in good form at the moment, supports Osimhen from the right.
I believe this is how the Super Eagles will line up for what promises to be a very tough opening game, but I expect Nigeria to come out on top.”
Emmanuel Okoduwa’s Predicted Starting XI
Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka; Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze.
