The squad of players to prosecute Nigeria's eagerly anticipated encounter against the Pharaohs of Egypt has been released.
The North Africans, who have never lost an opening day Afcon match in 20 years across 6 editions, are heavy favourites to come up trumps in this encounter that is expected to be nail biting.
Nigeria welcome Awoniyi back for this match with regulars like Okoye, Ekong and Iheanacho surviving from former gaffer Gernot Rohr's preferred starting 11.
This Super Eagles outfit are widely expected to line up with a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Wing play is set to play a prominent role in the attacking plot with a creative middle and a cement-like approach to defending meant to jut out as themes.
In the last 3 games against Egypt across all competitions dating back to 2015, Nigeria have 1 win, 1 loss and 1 draw. The last time both teams met in the Afcon proper, Egypt ran away 3:1 winners.
Players like Simon and Chukwueze will be expected to step up the plate to be counted and also to raise the bar and break new grounds for the Super Eagles today.
Nigeria's Full Starting 11 Against Egypt:
Maduka Okoye
Ola Aina
Kenneth Omeruo
William Troost-Ekong
Zaidu Sanusi
Wilfred Ndidi,
Joe Aribo
Kelechi Iheanacho,
Moses Simon
Samuel Chukwueze
Taiwo Awoniyi
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