AFCON 2023: Who should Jose Peseiro start against Guinea Bissau?

By Wale Mustapha

Nigeria will be taking on Guinea-Bissau in the last group stage match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, on Monday, with the hope of finishing on a high in group A.

Jose Peseiro’s men started the tournament on a not too impressive note as they had to come from behind to share 1-1 spoils with the Nzalang Nationale of Equatorial Guinea last Sunday.

The West Africans picked up in the second match beating the tournament’s hosts, Ivory Coast by a lone goal which put them in good stead for a place in the knockout stages.

With the tie against the Djurtus coming up at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Monday, Nigerians are expecting the Portuguese tactician to tweak his team thereby giving opportunities to other members of the squad having in mind the low pedigree of the opponent.

Here is how Nigeriafootball.ng envisage the Super Eagles will file out against the Guineans in a new 4-3-3 formation as against the 3-5-2 employed in the last match.

Stanley Nwabali will still giving the chance to man the post as it is not totally clear that Nigeria has qualified for the next round.

In defense, a slight changes are expected with the likes Ola Aina and Semi Ajayi giving a time to rest while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Kenneth Omeruo will come in for them. With Calvin Bassey‘s performance in the second half against the Ivorians, Peseiro may chose to start him at left back or possibly bring in Bruno Onyeamachi.

Frank Onyeka will surely retain his position in the central midfield against the Djurtus and is expected to be supported by Joe Aribo while Frank Onyedika should be handed his first start at the tournament.

As the Super Eagles are still craving for more goals, it is expected that Victor Osimhen will lead the line but with a new faces on the flanks.

As Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman were not too convincing against the Ivorians, Peseiro should bring in the duo of captain Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Stanley Nwabali

Bright Osayi-Samuel

Bruno Onyeamachi

Kenneth Omeruo

William Troost-Ekong

Samuel Onyedikachi

Frank Onyeka

Joe Aribo

Ahmed Musa

Victor Osimhen

Kelechi Iheanacho