By John Essien
The Super Eagles of Nigeria play host to Sierra Leone in Group A of the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
The Super Eagles, who are aiming for a third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations appearance, are unbeaten in each of their last six qualifying games, claiming four wins and two draws in that time.
Going into the encounter today, Coach Jose Peseiro’s charges will put behind them their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Ecuador in a friendly fixture.
The Portuguese tactician has beefed up his squad with a stronger attacking unit than they took to their United States tour.
Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis and Ademola Lookman are part of the squad for the showdown in Abuja.
Heritage Times HT predicts the starting XI Peseiro is likely to put out this evening.
Francis Uzoho will likely start in goal for Nigeria, with Maduka Okoye’s persistent absence from the team since after the 2021 AFCON.
Uzoho will have Captain William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi in front of him in central defence. The fullback positions will be taken by Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi, according to reports from training.
In midfield, without Wilfred Ndidi, Peseiro will probably go with Joe Aribo and Etebo Oghenekaro for the central midfield role.
Upfront, Osimhen and Alex Iwobi will definitely start, while the right flank will go to Ademola Lookman or Emmanuel Dennis ahead of Samuel Chukwueze, with Moses Simon operating from the left.
