José Peseiro, the coach of the Nigerian national football team, has unveiled the official composition of the starting eleven that will face South Africa in the semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In a strategic move, Peseiro has made a notable change to the lineup, with Zaidu Sanusi making way for Bright Osayi-Samuel.
The Portuguese tactician has seemingly solidified his preferred lineup for AFCON 2023, opting to reintegrate players who featured prominently in the team’s successful campaigns during the round of 16 and quarter-finals.
Despite initial uncertainties surrounding his availability, Victor Osimhen has been included in the starting lineup, alongside key players such as Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, and Calvin Bassey, each making their sixth start in the competition.
However, a noteworthy change sees Zaidu Sanusi stepping aside for Bright Osayi-Samuel, marking a strategic adjustment in Peseiro’s tactical approach for the crucial semi-final encounter against South Africa.
The official starting XI for Nigeria against South Africa is as follows:
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Central Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey
Pivots: Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel
Midfielders: Franck Onyeka, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen
As the teams prepare to face off in the AFCON 2023 semi-final, the alterations to Nigeria’s lineup add an element of intrigue to the match, with fans and analysts keenly observing the impact of Peseiro’s decisions on the outcome.
The clash promises to be a gripping spectacle, with both Nigeria and South Africa vying for a coveted spot in the AFCON 2023 final.
