Afcon 2021: Iheanacho and Awoniyi lead Nigeria attack against Egypt

Coach Augustine Eguavoen has kept faith in the Sparta Rotterdam player to stop the attacking forays of the Pharaohs of Egypt in Garoua.

Named as the captain of the day, the Watford defender will not only be coordinating the team but also have his focus on organising the defensive set-up.

One of the two surviving members of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad, the Spain based centre-back will partner Ekong and will be saddled with the responsibility of caging Mohamed Salah.

The Torino man is expected to cover for the defence from the right-wing and also support the attack by floating in crosses.

Following the late arrival of Paderborn's Jamilu Collins in Garoua, Sanusi has been handed a place in the starting XI - thus making his Afcon debut.

Unarguably one of the most consistent performers in the Super Eagles set-up.

Ndidi will play the anchorman role with his tackles to support the defence and help Nigeria win more balls.

Coming from an impressive campaign in the Scottish Premiership, the Rangers star will play as no. 10 for Austin Eguavoen's side.

Aribo's qualities include producing defence-splitting passes and the ability to score goals.

Simon is another force that gives more energy to the attack with his runs and dribbles to cut through the Egyptian defence. He is expected to help the defence too ocassionally.

The Villarreal winger is expected to make attacking runs on the flanks. His creativity will also come as an advantage for the West Africans.

Iheanacho will play a supporting role up front and his experience in the team could also help the Super Eagles make a commanding start to the game.

Owing to the absence of Victor Osimhen and Odion Ighalo, the Union Berlin striker will be the target man to lead the Super Eagles frontline at the Roumde Adjia Stadium.

His agility, height and power will be crucial to unsettle the Pharaohs.