Predicted Nigeria XI to play World Cup-bound Portugal in international friendly

12:22 EAT 17/11/2022

GOAL predicts how the Super Eagles might line up against the Navigators.

Nigeria's national team the Super Eagles will play World Cup-bound Portugal in Lisbon on Thursday in an international friendly.

The West African nation will miss the services of their in-form striker, Napoli's Victor Osimhen who is reportedly nursing an injury.

In his absence, Paul Onuachu is expected to start; and here is how the Super Eagles might line up against Portugal. The European nation is pooled with Ghana, South Korea and Uruguay in the World Cup.

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Goalkeeper: Francis Uzoho

Uzoho has been excellent for Omonia and his recent performance in the 1-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League must have won the hearts of many.
He will be aiming at stopping Ronaldo from finding the back of the net as he did at Manchester.
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Right-Back: Chidozie Awaziem

Awaziem was called to replace the injured Olisa Ndah. Just like Bassey, he has to use his pace to ensure Portugal's wingers do not find it easy.
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Centre-Back: William Troost-Ekong

The Watford star has recently been a regular for the Hornets who are aiming at making a return to the Premier League.
He will be relied on when it comes to aerial balls and ensuring there is organisation at the back.
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Centre-Back: Kevin Akpoguma

Akpoguma has been consistent for Hoffenheim in a three-man defence and will most probably partner Troost-Ekong who has been excellent in recent Watford matches.
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Left-Back: Calvin Bassey

The versatile defender has been used as a centre-back in the last two games; however, his pace might see him being slotted at left-back.
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Central Midfielder: Frank Onyeka

'The Tank' is known for his physical presence in midfield and the energy he brings will help the defenders have relatively easier work marking their men.
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Central Midfielder: Wilfred Ndidi

After suffering injuries, Ndidi is back for the West African nation. Despite limited game-time at Leicester City, the midfielder remains the best option for Jose Peseiro.
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Attacking Midfielder: Alex Iwobi

The Everton star has been on the rise this season and the Nigeria faithful will hope to see him replicate his club form on Thursday.
He will play just behind Onuachu which will give the Super Eagle another option in attack.
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Right Wing: Samuel Chukwueze

The Villarreal star is yet to get his goal this season in La Liga but has been a regular owing to his work rate in attack and defensively.
The Super Eagles will rely on him to stop the robust Portugal full-backs in Lisbon.
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Left Wing: Emmanuel Dennis

He missed the 2-1 loss against Algeria owing to an injury but he is back to play the Portuguese side.
Dennis is fleet-footed and having Premier League experience is a plus to his team since he knows how to work his way past the full-backs.
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Forward: Paul Onuachu

In the absence of the red-hot Napoli attacker Victor Osimhen - who pulled out owing to an injury as reported by the NFF, Onuachu comes in.
He has been equally doing well and managed 13 league goals in 14 outings. Chances of starting are high.