Osimhen on bench as Lookman, Boniface lead Eagles against Benin Republic

Victor Osimhen will start from the bench as the Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday.

The encounter is beginning of the qualification stages for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface are selected to spearhead the attack in the absence of Osimhen who had endured a torrid start to the season with Napoli.

A failed transfer on deadline day culminated in the 25-year-old joining Fenerbahce on loan. The striker also resumed late to the Eagles camp and would have to make do with a place on the bench as Nigeria seeks to avenge the defeat to Benin Republic in the World Cup qualifiers in June.

Lookman, recently nominated for the FIFA Balon D’Or award, was one of the Super Eagles’ best performers at AFCON 2023 earlier in the year where his goals led Nigeria to a runners-up place.

Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan completes the front trio as interim coach Augustine Eguavoen looks set to deploy a 4-3-3 formation against the Cheetahs of Benin.

Stanley Nwabali retains his starting place in goal ahead of revitalised Maduka Okoye.

Also, Bruno Onyemaechi is deployed in midfield as the quartet of captain Williams Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Ola Aina reprise their AFCON roles.

Nigeria is drawn in Group D alongside Benin, Rwanda and Libya.

STARTING XI:

Nwabali (GK); Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Aina, Bassey; Ndidi, Onyemaechi, Iwobi; Lookman, Chukwueze, Boniface.