Predicting: How Super Eagles will line up against Portugal without Osimhen & Ndah 

With less than 24 hours to the much talked about international friendly match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Selecao of Portugal, there’s anticipation as to how the Nigerian side will line up without the duo of injured Victor Osimhen and Olisa Ndah.

Coach Jose Peseiro had announced his 23 man squad for the Grade A friendly against the World Cup bound team last weekend with both Osimhen and Ndah to be available for the duel.

It was announced on Monday that both players will be missing the encounter due to injuries and have since been replaced by Cyril Dessers and Chidozie Awaziem.

As Nigerians are looking forward to how the Super Eagles will fared against the Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal, Wale Mustapha takes a look at how the Eagles will file out for the game billed for Thursday without the injured duo.

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye

The Watford goalkeeper is expected to be between the sticks for the game ahead of Francis Uzoho.

Coach Peseiro is yet to see Okoye play for the Eagles, especially at big stage and this friendly is coming at the right time for him to show the Coach he’s still one to be trusted as Eagles’ number one.

Defenders: Tyrone Ebuehi, Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Ebube Duru.

In the absence of injured Olisa Ndah and Leon Balogun who was not called for the friendly, the defense will wear a new look with only captain Ekong as the only regular face. Bassey is expected to pair the Watford man while Ebuehi and in form Rivers United full back, Ebube Duru will handle the full back department.

Midfielders: Joe Aribo, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi

The Super Eagles’s midfield will be having its regular personnel as its always look like with the return of Ndidi who is expected to be flanked by Aribo and Iwobi. There could be place for Etebo and Frank Onyeka to come in as subs.

Attackers: Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze

The in form Gent striker will be a perfect replacement for the injured Osimhen in the attack. Lookman will start ahead of Moses Simon on the right wing as Chukwueze will retain his left wing.

Maduka Okoye; Tyrone Ebuehi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ebube Duru; Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Alex Iwobi; Paul Onuachu, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

Thursday’s encounter at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon will kick off at 18.45pm Portugal time (19.45pm in Nigeria)