OGC Nice striker Terem Moffi has been preferred to lead the Super Eagles attack ahead of Paul Onuachu as coach Finidi George made three changes to his starting XI side against Benin Republic in a matchday four World Cup qualifier in Abidjan, Ivory Coast this evening.
The Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw with South Africa last Friday – a result that places them fifth in Group C.
It was also learnt that Kelechi Iheanacho lost his spot to Samuel Chukwueze, while midfielder Frank Onyeka is the other change from the starting XI as he replaces Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Finidi has thus kept faith with the back four of Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Taminu and Bright Osayi that struggled to curtail the ramaging Bafana Bafana attack last Friday at the Godswill Akpabio stadium.
Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali keeps his place in goal as he bids to record his fifth clean sheet having played 12 games albeit conceding 14 goals.
Three-time African champions Nigeria have so far dropped a staggering six points on the road to the next World Cup and must beat the Cheetahs to redeem their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026.
Failure not to qualify for the World Cup back-to-back by Nigeria will be disastrous.
Line-up: Nwabali- Bassey, Ajayi, Taminu, Osayi-Samuel – Ndidi (Captain), Onyedika, Iwobi – Lookman, Moffi, Chukwueze
