Izuchukwu Okosi
The Super Eagles line up for the game against the Pharaoh of Egypt has been released with Taiwo Awoniyi leading the line in the absence of Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis and Odion Ighalo.
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In goal is Maduka Okoye while Wilfred Ndidi is the spine in the midfield.
Kelechi Iheanacho will support Awoniyi in attack while Moses Simon slots in as left wing back in an apparent bid to double up on Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Egypt has never lost an opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations in 20 years and in six consecutive tournaments.
The last time both teams met in 2010, Nigeria lost 3-1 when Angola hosted the continent. The teams have met 18 times with Nigeria winning on eight occasions and drawn five times – Egypt winning five times.
Starting Lineup: Okoye (Goal); Aina, Zaidu, Omeruo, Ekong (Defence); Ndidi, Aribo, Moses (Midfield); Iheanacho, Chukwueze, Awoniyi (Attack).
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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