The Super Eagles will take on the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in their third game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The game holds great significance for both sides as it could decide their direction in the qualifiers. The Super Eagles already picked four points from their first two games against Benin and Rwanda, and a win for them could mean that they would need just one more victory to seal qualification.
On the other hand, Lybia picked just one point from their first two games and would be desperate to get a win to stay alive in the qualification battle.
Going into the fixture, the Super Eagles are undeniably favorites due to their quality. Although Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is out injured, Nigeria still parade stars like Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Chidera Ejuke, and the likes.
However, a surprise can not be ruled out, as the three-time African champions have occasionally flattered to deceive.
Ahead of the fixture, Soccernet.ng predicts the starting lineup for the Super Eagles game on Friday.
Who starts, who sits?
First off, it is important to note that coach Augustine Eguavoen has stuck with the same formation Jose Peseiro used at the the AFCON. But he has added a few tweaks to the system to ensure fluidity and stability. As such, he will likely use a 3-4-3 formation against Libya.
Chippa United shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali has been in top form recently. So he will get the nod to man the sticks again, while Maduka Okoye, who has been decent for Udinese will play second fiddle.
In the defense, it is likely that Eguavoen will stick to the trusted partnership of Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong, and Calvin Bassey. Ola Aina has been in good form for Nottingham Forest, so he would likely start at right fullback. Then, Bruno Onyemaechi will take the other spot on the left flank.
In the midfield of the park, Wilfred Ndidi will keep his place. Alex Iwobi will likely partner him there to add some flare to the mix.
In attack, Atalanta star Ademola Lookman will keep his place in the starting XI and start from the left. Chidera Ejuke, who has been impressive at Sevilla will operate from the right flank, while Victor Boniface will lead the line.
Line-up: Nwabali; Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Ajayi Aina, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Boniface, Lookman, Ejuke.