Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Bassey, Chukwueze in starting line-up | Osimhen leads attack

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has made two changes to the starting XI to face Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A fixture.

Alhassan Yusuf and Moses Simon were left out of the line-up expected to start the all-important game following the team’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.

Peseiro will set up the Super Eagles in a 3-4-3 formation when they lock horns with the Elephants later on Thursday.

Bulky goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali keeps his place ahead of Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo.

Fulham star Calvin Bassey will join William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi in a back three.

Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi, who have done enough to keep their places, will function as right and left wing backs respectively.

At the middle of the park are England-based Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi.

It will be an Italian flavour in attack with Napoli, AC Milan and Atalanta players — Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman — selected to lead the offence.

The game will kick off at 6pm Nigerian time.