Dynamo Kiev defensive midfield star Yusuf Ayila will start for the Super Eagles in Sunday’s World Cup crunch tie against Algeria in Oran.
This will be Ayila’s first start and second appearance for the Eagles after he made his debut as a late substitute against Gabon in Port Harcourt. He has been preferred to Wolves ace Seyi Olofinjana, who has struggled with his form for country of late.
The midfield will also parade Olympique Marseille ace Wilson Oruma, Christian Obodo and John Utaka, who has recovered in time to launch attacks for the Eagles from the right side of midfield.
While childhood friends Obafemi Martins and Ayodele Makinwa are expected to start the hunt for goals for the Eagles in this very crucial encounter.
There are no surprises in the Eagles defence though as the central defence pairing of Joseph Yobo and Joseph Enakarhire returns to be supported by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and fullbacks Taye Taiwo and Chidi Odiah.
Yobo will stand in as skipper as he did against Angola in Luanda last year.
THE LINEUP:
ENYEAMA – ODIAH, TAYE TAIWO, YOBO (CAPTAIN) ENAKARHIRE –
UTAKA, AYINLA, ORUMA, OBODO – MARTINS, MAKINWA