Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Saudi Arabia on Friday at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao in Portugal.
Although this match is not very important, it is a top friendly match as it could affect Nigeria’s FIFA ranking. This is also a prelude to his 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in January next year.
Manager Jose Peceiro called up 25 players for the match, but Hatayspor striker Fisayo Dele-Basil was the only new player.
Given Peceiro’s history, he will be expected to field a strong XI for the African Cup of Nations, which is just three months away, and will be looking to improve understanding within the team. Still, you can make some adjustments to get the best lineup for AFCON.
Soccer Net predicts Nigeria’s starting lineup for this match.
Goalkeeper: Francis Uzoho is expected to remain Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper. Maduka Okoye hasn’t played much in the past 15 months and given Nigeria’s lack of confidence in his goal, it would be risky to include him in the starting XI.
Defender: Semi Ajayi has started Nigeria’s last three games and is expected to continue wearing the jersey in central defence. Kenneth Omeruo will be Ajayi’s partner upon his return to the team.
The Kashimpasa player is one of Nigeria’s longest-serving players and Peseiro would like to bring in an experienced player in defence.
Fenerbahce player Bright Ossai-Samuel will start at right-back. He is currently one of the best right-backs in Europe and is having a great season in Turkey. He provides a serious offensive threat and is also very solid defensively.
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey is on the left side of due to the absence of Jamil Collins and Zaidu Sanusi He is likely to start at backup. For Fulham he played as a central defender, but for Rangers and Ajax he played as a full-back.
Midfield: Leicester City player Wilfred Ndidi, who has had an excellent season, will maintain his position in defensive midfield. Alex Iwobi, who missed Nigeria’s last game against Sao Tome and Principe, is expected to return to the starting lineup. Next, Rafael Onyedika should complete the midfield trio and add stability and stealth.
Attack: Napoli star Victor Osimhen should keep his place in the starting eleven. AC Milan attacker Samuel Chukwueze, who was on the bench in the last game against Sao Tome and Principe, is also expected to return to the starting lineup.
Then, Nantes player Moses Simon, who is in good form, starts attacking from the left side.
Although Saudi Arabia performed well in the last World Cup, Nigeria must be wary of the threat they pose.
