Super Eagles predicted XI vs Sierra Leone: Osimhen, Awoniyi combo in 4-4-2 formation

After days of training by the Coach Jose Peseiro led Super Eagles for the 2023 AFCON qualifier vs Sierra Leone, SPORTSRATION presents a predicted starting XI with an attack combo of in-form Osimhen and Awoniyi in a 4-4-2 formation.

FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Coach Jose Peseiro has the full complement of twenty-three invited Super Eagles players in camp preparing for the penultimate 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier vs Sierra Leone on June 18.

From the training ground, the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan Lagos State, it is clear Peseiro is planning a combo of Italian Serie A top-scorer Victor Osimhen and Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi in attack.

The Portuguese manager has experimented a 4-4-2 formation as he looks for the perfect system to shoot down the Leone Stars in Monrovia and book a 2023 AFCON spot for Nigeria on Sunday.

SUPER EAGLES PREDICTED XI VS SIERRA LEONE

In Goal: Adebayo Adeleye will all things being equal get the nod to start ahead of Nigeria Premier League duo of Ojo Olurunleke and Victor Sochima. 23-year old Adebayo will finally get his chance to stake claim for the number one shirt.

Defence: We expect Peseiro to name four defenders for this game. Fit-again Bright Osayi-Samuel should retain his spot at right-back while Zaidu Sanusi is favoured for the left-back role.

The choice of the two central defenders will be a tight one with assistant skipper Williams Troost-Ekong, Kevin Akpoguma, Semi Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo and even Calvin Bassey in camp for the game.

Kenneth Omeruo and Ajayi excelled vs Guinea-Bissau but may well sit-out for Akpoguma to partner Ekong in central defence.

Midfield: Gone are the days when Wilfred Ndidi was the undisputed first mention in the Super Eagles midfield. Signals from the training ground show Frank Onyeka may start alongside Alex Iwobi with Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman on the flanks.

Attack: As earlier stated, a Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi combo is currently experimented during the teams training sessions. A terrific partnership this will be on the strength of their respective forms and achievements in the just concluded season.

Predicted XI: Adebayo, Bright, Zaidu, Ekong, Akpoguma, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Chukwueze, Awoniyi, Osimhen.