Nigeria vs. Morocco: Four Changes In Eagles Starting X1

Few hours from now actions will kick off for the Sunday evening’s African Nations Championship final against Morocco at Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca.

Coach Salisu Yusuf has opted to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, his most preferred formation at the African Nations Championship, and has put Osas Okoro, Ikouwem Udoh, Stephen Eze and Kalu Orji in a four-man defense.

The two central midfielders are Emeka Atuloma (Dolphins) and Dayo Ojo (Sunshine Stars).

Emeka Ogbugh is making a return to the starting line-up and he is joined in attacking midfield by Rabiu Ali and Peter Moses.

In all, the Super Eagles B, made four changes which reflect an injury boost for the CHAN Eagles.

While, Enyimba goalkeeper and captain Ikechukwu Ezenwa has failed to recover from the injury he sustained in the semifinal against Sudan, Plateau United’s Dele Ajiboye will be in goal-post for the final game.

In the absence of Anthony Okpotu, who is expected to be introduced later in the game, Gabriel Okechukwu will lead the Super Eagles attack.

Only Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Sunday Faleye and Daniel Itodo missed last night’s training as they have all been confirmed out of the Final.

 The final which starts at 8: 00pm local time and it will be officiated by Gambian referee- Bakary Gassama.

Eagles starting XI 4-2-3-1 – Dele Ajiboye – Ikouwem Udoh, Osas Okoro, Stephen Eze, Kalu Orji – Emeka Atuloma, Dayo Ojo, Rabiu Ali – Peter Eneji, Okechukwu Gabriel, Emeka Ogbugh

Meanwhile, Sudan edged out Libya 4-2 via penalties to claim bronze in the third-place play-off match at the 2018 CAF African Nations Championship at Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.

Although the clash finished at 1-1 in regular time, penalties from Mohamed Tahir, Mohamed Babikir, Mahmoud Ahmed and Maaz Gesalla ensured Sudan were victorious.

On the other hand, Libya converted from the spot through Moftah Taktak, Abdelsalam Alaqoub while Almehdi Elhouni and Salem Ablo saw their kicks saved.

The Mediterranean Knights had a bright start in the encounter as they put more pressure on the Falcons of Jediane.

However, it was Sudan who bagged the lead against the run of play when a long ball into the penalty area found Walaa Eldin Yagoub in the eighth minute and his header beat Abdalla Nashnush on his right corner.

As coach Zdravko Logarusic’s men continued to display good touches in the heart of the park, Elmutasem Abushnaf saw his header going wide in the 25th minute from a cross on the left flank.

Despite coach Omar Elmaryami’s troops intensifying their probe for an equaliser, it was 1-0 at halftime.