Nigeria vs Iceland: Onazi, Echiejile in; Ndidi, Iwobi out, as Rohr names surprise starting XI

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, is set to spring a surprise with his starting XI for their crucial Group D clash against Iceland on Friday.

According to Colin Udoh, a former media officer of the national team who has been monitoring training sessions in Russia, the trio of Simi Nwankwo, Onazi Ogenyi and Elderson Echiejile are expected to start.

Alex Iwobi, Shehu Abdullahi, Bryan Idowu and Wilfred Ndidi are expected to begin the game from the bench.

“Projected #NGA Starting XI for #ISL game in Volgograd
Uzoho, Ebuehi, Echiejile, Ekong, Balogun; Onazi, Etebo, Mikel; Moses, Ighalo, Simi,” Udoh tweeted on Thursday.

Rohr was widely expected to introduce Ahmed Musa, to add pace and width to the team, as Iceland will defend deeply and seek to cause damage from counter-attacks.

It’s a make-or-mar encounter for the Super Eagles, after losing 2-0 to Croatia in their opening fixture.

Nothing short of three points is required from Rohr’s men, for them to stand any chance of making it to the round of 16.