The coach of the Nigeria U20 team Ladan Bosso has made public the starting lineup for the Nigeria U20 team semi final game against Gambia at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Bosso whose team defeated Uganda 1-0 in the quarter final to seal a spot in the semi final and also qualification for the U20 World Cup will be hoping his new look defence will keep up with the task of keeping the Gambians at bay.
While goalkeeper Chijioke Anigboso kept his spot in goal, right full back Augustine Njoku was dropped for returning captain of the team Daniel Bamaiyi who was suspended for the quarter final game against Uganda.
However the coach maintained the centre back partnership of Benjamin Fredrick and Abel Ogwuche, who were outstanding in the win over Uganda. Solomon Agbalaka also kept his post as the left back of the team.
For the fourth game running, the coach stuck with the midfield three of Onuche Ogbelu, Samson Lawal and Mohammed Aminu with influential midfielder Daniel Daga now ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
In attack, the trio of Ayuba Francis, Haliru Sarki and Mohammed Beji lead the line as expected with Bosso keeping faith in Sarki who is yet to deliver at the tournament as expected.
Starting XI – Anigboso (GK), Bamaiyi, Benjamin, Ogwuche, Agbalaka, Lawal, Ogbelu, Aminu, Beji, Sarki, Ayuba.
Damian Waziri