FC Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem is set to partner William Troost-Ekong in defence; in the absence of the ill Leon Balogun when Nigeria file out against Serbia in London tonight.
The Super Eagles defeated Poland 1-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly in Wrocslaw on Friday and have since moved to the British capital ahead of today’s clash with another World Cup participants, Serbia.
As being reported in the Nigerian media, Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr is expected to ring the changes with four of them changing from the starting set-up that defeated Poland; mostly enforced by injuries.
Right back Shehu Abdullahi was replaced in the final ten minutes in Wroclaw by Tyronne Ebuehi and the Dutch-born star will start at the Barnet FC Stadium tonight. Another change in the defensive set-up is Awaziem who is set to be preferred to the experienced Kenneth Omeruo in replacing Leon Balogun who misses out to injury.
Vice captain Ogenyi Onazi and team’s former captain Ahmed Musa are also handed starting berths in place of Kelechi Iheanacho (injured) and Odion Ighalo (tactical reasons.
Nigeria’s game against Serbia will start at 8pm West African time at The Hive, in London.
Eagles lineup
Uzoho; Ebuehi, Awaziem, Troost-Ekong, Idowu; Onazi, Ndidi, Joel Obi; Moses, Iwobi, Ahmed Musa.