Super Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr has kept faith with Sparta Rotterdam of Holland goalkeeper, Emil Maduka Okoye to start for the Nigerian national team in Tuesday’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations second leg qualifier against Sierra Leone at Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown, megasportsarena.com reports.
Although many fans felt Okoye would get the axe after letting in four goals during the first leg at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City last Friday, the Franco-German football tactician has retained the Germany-born shot-stopper, despite making two changes from those that started the first leg 4-4 draw.
Despite being heavily criticized for his display on Friday, Okoye has surprisingly been picked over Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa’s Daniel Akpeyi, while William Troost-Ekong and Leon Aderemi Balogun continue their partnership in the middle of the defence.
Another player that was pilloried after the first leg, Kevin Akpoguma starts at right-back and Ola Aina will provide width on the opposite defence line, in place of FC Porto of Portugal left-back, Zaidu Sanusi, who drops to the bench.
Also retained from Friday’s game are Oghenekaro Etebo and Joe Aribo, the holding midfielders, with Alex Iwobi handed playmaking duties, but the absence of injured Victor Osimhen paves the way for Kelechi Iheanacho to step in and spearhead the Eagles’ attack; while Samuel Chukwueze and Ahmed Musa continue on the flanks.
Super Eagles Starting XI: Okoye; Akpoguma, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Aina; Etebo, Aribo, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Iheanacho, Musa.
