Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has suggested that there could be changes to the starting lineup when the team faces Uganda in their final group match on Tuesday, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles will go up against the Cranes on match-day three at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, hoping to end their group C campaign with a 100% record.
The three-time winners of the tournament have won both of their first two matches so far and have also qualified for the round of 16 of the competition.
They defeated Tanzania 2-1 in their first encounter, with Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman getting the goals in the important win.
Against Tunisia in their second game, the Super Eagles held off a spirited late fightback to record a 3-2 victory in an entertaining affair.
Victor Osimhen and Wilfried Ndidi grabbed their first goals of this year’s tournament, while Lookman netted his second goal in as many matches.
With nothing to lose against Uganda, Eric Chelle is expected to make alterations to the lineup and give a much-needed rest to several regulars in the squad.
The Nigerian head coach named a 28-man squad ahead of the tournament, but only 18 of those players have featured so far in Morocco.
The likes of Francis Uzoho, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu and Raphael Onyedika could play a part in Tuesday’s clash, coming in for the regular starters.
What Eric Chelle said
Eric Chelle took over the helms of affair at the national team earlier this year and has guided the team to two wins from two matches at the African Cup of Nations.
The head coach could ring the changes when the Super Eagles take to the field against Uganda on Tuesday, but remained light-tipped about the starting team.
“For the rotation once again, I keep it to myself. Lots of players, they deserve to play for this team. I make every time some choices. I can tell you they all deserve to play in that team. We have the last training session today. I will work with the teams. After the training session, I will take a decision”, Chelle stated.
“The most important thing is our state of mind going into this game. It will be a surprise for you to see the starting eleven tomorrow, but at this moment, I cannot say anything.
“About the feeling about the AFCON, this is the best time for focus. We hear nothing. We see nothing. We are only focus on our group and the game. It’s very nice for me”, he continued.
On Nwabali and Onyeka
“He (Nwabali) has a slight pain in his knee, and Frank has an issue with his ankle.
“We will manage the situation for the team. I have to think about the team as a whole, and we still have one final training session today”, Chelle concluded.
Nigeria will conclude action in group C later tomorrow when they face Uganda, hoping for another win to clinch top spot.
