Nigeria XI vs Guinea-Bissau: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for AFCON qualifier | OneFootball

Double injury concern hanging over Super Eagles

Nigeria are facing an attacking injury crisis as they prepare to face Guinea-Bissau in an AFCON qualifier on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles cruised to a 2-1 defeat of Madagascar last week, but could be without both strikers who led the line in Uyo.

Goalscorer George Ilenikhena and Akor Adams both missed training on Sunday, sparking concerns as to whether they will be involved in Bissau.

Neither man had completed the match against Madagascar, with Adams completing just over an hour and Ilenikhena managing 69 minutes before being withdrawn.

With Victor Osimhen also missing from the squad through injury, Nigeria have three key strikers injured.

Fortunately for Eric Chelle, though, it is a position in which his Super Eagles have plenty of depth. Coventry’s Taiwo Awoniyi came off the bench against Madagascar and will be keen to start here, as did Tolu Arokodare, on loan at Ajax from Wolves.

Tolu Arokodare is pushing to start against Guinea-Bissau

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Moses Usor is in line for a promotion to the starting lineup after scoring off the bench last time out, but the LASK forward has a tall task on his hands if he is to unseat Samuel Chukwueze.

The midfield core of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi should hold, with Ademola Lookman on the right flank.

Arthur Okonkwo’s wait for a Nigeria debut is ongoing after he was left on the bench in Uyo, with Stanley Nwabili preferred. The Chippa United veteran should keep his place.

Chelle may be tempted to rotate his defence after all bar one of the back four completed 90 minutes against Madagascar. The exception, Ola Aina, still put in 87 minutes.

Birmingham City’s Bright Osayi-Samuel, then, may be called on to refresh the back line here.