Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, did not make the starting line-up of players to start the country’s opening African Cup of Nations (AFCON) match against Egypt.
The 29-year-old winger has only played two games for Fatih Karagümrük, his Turkish Super Lig side.
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Musa, who played for Kano Pillars before moving to Turkey, featured in five AFCON qualifying games and provided one assist.
Moses Simon replaced him in the line-up.
Another surprise selection by Austin Eguavon, Super Eagles interim manager, is the choice of Maduka Okoye starting as the goalkeeper ahead of experienced Daniel Akpeyi and Francis Uzoho.
The Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper was favoured by Gernot Rohr, former Super Eagles manager, before his sack.
The 22-year-old, who only made his Eagles debut in 2019, played five of Nigeria’s six matches in their AFCON Qualifiers’ unbeaten run.
In attack, Taiwo Awoniyi leads from the centre with Samuel Chukwueze on the flan. Kelechi Iheanacho is drafted into midfield by Coach Eguavoen.
Nigeria’s game against Egypt kicks off 5pm.
Super Eagles XI vs Egypt
Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye
Defenders: William Troos-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Zaidu Sanusi, Ola Aina
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Kelechi Iheanacho
Attackers: Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon
