The Super Eagles have a slight edge on head-to-head record against the Chipolopolo having won six, drawn five, and lost five.
Zambia will be banking on home support to beat the three-time African champions as they look to kick –start their campaign in Group B which also contains Cameroon and Algeria on a flier.
However, with the Super Eagles missing out on the 2017 AFCON – the team will want to avoid another heartbreak for their supporters and manager Gernot Rohr must find a solution which we are very happy to help with by suggesting a strong starting XI that can get the job done.
Eagles XI vs Zambia: 4-2-3-1 formation
Carl Ikeme
He has been the undisputed number one goalkeeper for the Super Eagles since the retirement of Vincent Enyeama.
He is a very good goalkeeper but must learn how to delay the game whenever he has possession and the team is under pressure.
Ikeme’s role will be key as Nigeria seek a clean sheet and a vital win.
Kenneth Omeruo
Kenneth has been out of the team due to injury in recent past but his experience will come in handy especially as his likely partner Troots-Ekong may struggle with the very hot weather in Ndola.
Troots-Ekong
Ekong showed tremendous improvements at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has continued in the same vein with another impressive performance against Tanzania in the final game of the 2017 AFCON qualifier.
He has pace and good in the air but needs to be vigilant and show quick understanding with Omeuro in the absence of Leon Balogun due to injury.
Musa Mohammed
The former Captain of the Flying Eagles is a very good wing-back and can provide good width in the attacking third with good crosses for Brown Ideye to finish.
Elderson Echejile
He is currently the most experienced left back in the Super Eagles and his experience will help the backline.
Ogenyi Onazi
He began life in Turkey with a brace for new club Trabzonspor but that is not his strongest point. He is a hard tackler and protects the back four effectively. His energy will allow Mikel Obi go forward to join the attack which he likes to do with the national team.
Mikel Obi
He is yet to feature in any game for Chelsea this season but he is super fit after helping Nigeria win Bronze at the Rio Olympics and already declared how charged up he is for the Zambian tie.
Mikel is the Captain of the side and a natural leader who will help the team stay calm in the face of pressure.
Alex Iwobi
He is one of the most exciting Nigerian youngsters plying their trade in European football and already has three assists for Arsenal in the premier league – a form he will hope to bring into the national team.
Iwobi scored twice in the team’s last friendly before they departed for Ndola and Gernot Rohr surely counts on him to make things happen from midfied.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Iheanacho is another player that has three premier league assists for Manchester City and has scored twice also as he continue to enhance his reputation as one of Europe’s finest youngsters.
He scored a brilliant goal against Tanzania which was voted CNN Goal of the week and you won’t bet against him scoring against the Chipolopolo.
Ahmed Musa
Leicester City winger Musa should start because of his stamina and ability to run the channels. He should be used to the kind of bumpy pitch in Zambia as he played for Kano Pillars in similar circumstance under scorching sun.
He will likely get Rohr’s nod as the vice-captain of the team but his qualities and adaptability is needed for this tie.
Brown Ideye
Ideye is having a fine season in Greece with Olympiacos but he is yet to replicate that for the national team in recent time and will need to be counted in Ndola on Sunday.
Ideye will provide ariel presence for the team and with good deliveries from the flanks he may get on the end of one or two.
However, the formation may require the ball played into him and have the midfielders run towards or past him to join the attack.
