•Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho
Francis Uzoho will start in goal this evening for Nigeria in the final Group C match against Uganda in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The goalkeeper is one of eight changes made by Eric Chelle, Super Eagles head coach, for the dead-rubber match against the Cranes, reports Daily Trust.
It was earlier reported the coach would ring the changes for the match against Uganda.
Uzoho starts an AFCON match for the first time since AFCON 2022 where he also manned the post for the final group match against Guinea-Bissau Nigeria won 2-0.
He was also a late substitute in the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory over Cameroon at the round of 16 stage at AFCON 2024.
The 27-year-old will earn his 36th international appearance for the Super Eagles against Uganda
Uzoho is joined by defenders Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu who make their AFCON debuts, while Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi retain their places from the victory over Tunisia.
There is a complete overhaul of the midfield, as Chelle has trusted Raphael Onyedika to anchor the centre of the pitch, to be supported by ‘Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Samuel Chukwueze.
In attack however, Victor Osimhen retains his starting berth and will captain the team in the absence of rested Wilfred Ndidi, and the Galatasaray striker will be supported by Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu for their first starts in Morocco.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have won both group matches prior to this encounter, and will finish top of the group regardless the outcome of the match.
Starting XI: Uzoho (GK); Bassey, Ugbo, Onyemaechi, Alebiosu; Onyedika, Dele-Bashiru, Chukwueze; Simon, Onuachu, Osimhen (c)
