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Nigeria team news: Predicted 4-2-3-1 line up vs Brazil – Experimental XI to combat Neymar
Nigeria are expected to field a much-changed starting XI when they face Brazil in their international friendly clash at the National Stadium in Singapore today (1pm BST).
Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr is likely to shuffle his squad for the high-profile international friendly against Brazil this afternoon.
The Super Eagles are without a number of key first-team players after several late withdrawals, while a host of changes are expected from the defeat to Togo last time out.
Nigeria slumped to a 4-1 loss in the first leg of their African Nations Championship qualifier last month, although only players based in Africa are allowed to participate in the tournament.
Therefore, plenty of stars who featured in the run to third place in this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations are expected to return to the starting line-up.
That means Premier League aces such as Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi should get the nod while Samuel Chukwueze and Emmanuel Bonaventure are also likely to start.
However, Rohr is without Peter Etebo, Kenneth Omeruo, Ola Aina and Samuel Kalu so Brighton defender Leon Balogun may be drafted in to deal with the threat of Neymar.
West Brom ace Semi Ayayi should fill in at centre-back alongside William Troost-Ekong with Jamilu Collins starting at left-back.
Anderson Esiti could fill in for Etebo alongside Ndidi, anchoring the midfield behind Chukwueze, Iwobi and Bonaventure.
Lille forward Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the line but fellow striker Suleiman Abdullahi should be handed some minutes while Chidozie Awaziem bolsters Rohr’s defensive options.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa has also linked up with the squad but Francis Uzoho should start between the posts.
Nigeria have only met Brazil on one previous occasion at senior level while the Super Eagles have won just one of their last eight international friendlies.
The Selecao are without Alisson, Marcelo, Fernandinho and Douglas Costa but are still expected to field a strong side for the second match of their Singapore double-header, following Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Senegal.
Nigeria predicted line-up vs Brazil – International friendly
(4-2-3-1): Uzoho; Balogun, Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Collins; Ndidi, Esiti; Chukwueze, Iwobi, Bonaventure; Osimhen