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Nigeria team news: Predicted 4-2-3-1 line up vs Guinea – Former Chelsea star dropped
NIGERIA captain John Obi Mikel is in danger of being dropped when the Super Eagles continue their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Guinea.
Africa Cup of Nations: Nigeria train for Guinea clash
Gernot Rohr’s side can book their spot in the last 16 with victory against Guinea, having narrowly seen off Burundi in their opening match at the weekend.
Substitute Odion Ighalo scored the only goal of the game against the AFCON debutants, and the former Watford striker could well have earned himself a spot in the starting XI.
However, captain and ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel may drop out of the team after struggling to impress – having missed the entire qualification campaign due to injury.
Rohr has a big decision to make with Mikel one of the most experienced players in his squad, although Nigeria have enough strength in depth to take the 32-year-old out of the firing line.
Paul Onuachu could make way for Ahmed Musa while Samuel Chukwueze will retain his spot on the right wing.
Alex Iwobi will start on the opposite flank but more is needed creatively from the Arsenal forward if he is to justify his position.
Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo will anchor the midfield but Shehu Adbullahi sustained an injury and is not expected to feature.
Chidozie Awaziem should come in at right-back while Ola Aina is the most likely choice at left-back.
Kenneth Omeruo and William Troost-Ekong will continue in central defence ahead of goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.
The match against Guinea comes on the back of the Super Eagles players boycotting Tuesday’s pre-match press conference due to a bonus dispute.
The Nigeria squad are protesting over unpaid extras with Musa failing to show up for media duties, instead remaining behind for an important meeting with his team-mates.
Nigeria are currently top of Group B after Guinea drew 2-2 with Madagascar on Saturday.
Nigeria predicted line-up vs Guinea – Africa Cup of Nations
(4-2-3-1): Akpeyi; Awaziem, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Aina; Ndidi, Etebo; Chukwueze, Musa, Iwobi; Ighalo