Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria: Five changes to expect as Eguavoen rejigs Super Eagles
Eguavoen is not prepared to deny his probable their only chance of having a feel of the tournament
In his usual way of getting things done, Super Eagles interim manager Austin Eguavoen doesn't care if he's been watched by opponents while sweating out with his players in training.
All that matters to him is to ensure hard work is translated into winning come hell or high water.
That will be paramount on his mind when Nigeria confronts Guinea Bissau on Wednesday in the final group game billed for Roumde Adjia stadium.
Like a father who ensures his kids get their desired meal daily, Eguavoen is not prepared to deny his probable their only chance of having a feel of the tournament, rather, he will be urging them to bring home the bacon this time around.
While some top players have already had their feel of the tourney, below are the top six changes expected against their West African neighbours.
Francis Uzoho
The AC Omonia safe hang is widely tipped to supplant Daniel Akpeyi for the no.1 spot between the sticks. Maduka Okoye has been in great form so far and he is not ready to negotiate his place with his teammates, but coach Austin might decide to rest him ahead of the knockout stage.
Tyrone Ebuehi
The Venezia FC defender has been knocked into top shape by Super Eagles trainers following his late arrival in camp, and he looks good enough to experience his first taste of matches here in Garoua.
Ola Aina has been a delight to watch in the last games and was unlucky not to score against Egypt. The FC Torino star might also start from the bench against Guinea Bissau on Wednesday.
Peter Olayinka
He may have come in through the back door following Victor Osimhen and Emmanuel Dennis' late withdrawals, this Sparta Prague striker predatory instinct will be too much to handle by Guinea Bissau rearguards.
With Kelechi Iheanacho's place already secured in the team, Peter Olayinka will surely get his chance on Wednesday. He will be out to prove why is he regarded as one of the shining lights of his club last season.
Frank Onyeka
The Brentford strongman watched from the bench as Wilfred Ndidi choreographed Super Eagles midfield against Egypt and Sudan. The time has come for the midfielder to have his feel of the tournament against one of the most physical sides in Africa.
While he is expected to have his hands full against goal-hungry Guinea Bissau, Onyeka will be out to stamp his authority in the midfield and show his admirers why he is Ndidi's heir.
Alex Iwobi
Interim manager, Austin Eguavoen will be ready to unleash Iwobi on Guinea Bissau with Joe Aribo likely to drop to the bench. Having endured a hard time on the bench, the Everton midfielder would need to combine hard work with versatility full of common sense if he wants to return Eagles' starting line-up.
