Gernot Rohr says he will make some changes to the starting lineup of the senior national team of Nigeria when they take on Egypt later today in an international friendly game as part of their preparations for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Rohr is without the services of six players who were initially in his list of players for both games namely Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and the quartet of Francis Uzoho, Victor Osimhen, Valentine Ozornwafor and Chidozie Awaziem who were pushed to the U23s for their U23 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Libya.
Owngoalnigeria.com takes a look at the five changes the coach will likely make for the game which will officially mark the start of Nigeria’s preparations for the Cup of Nations.
Daniel Akpeyi : Rohr has already revealed that the Kaizer Chiefs goal tender will start in goal in the absence of Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa will most likely replace him in the second half.
Leon Balogun : His lack of game time at Brighton and Hove Albion wasn’t quite the reason why he was dropped for the game against Seychelles with sources close to the team revealing that he was rested for today’s game which Rohr want to play with a back three.
Moses Simon : Sure to start with the absence of three players in attack. Took his goal against Seychelles very well and would be looking for more of same later today against Egypt.
Semi Ajayi – Played for less than ten minutes in the game against Seychelles but he will likely start in place of one of the trio of Oghenekaro Etebo, Wilfred Ndidi or Alex Iwobi. Rohr will be expecting him to replicate his club form where he has scored seven goals in his last ten games for English Championship side Rotherham.
Paul Onuachu – Got few minutes against Seychelles on Friday but will no doubt get the chance to play from the start today. His lanky frame will no doubt make him noticeable but a goal or two will be his aim as he bids to force his way into the team for the Africa Cup of Nations.