The Spain-based duo of Kenneth Omeruo (Leganes) and Moses Simon (Levante) both missed out of action with the Super Eagles on Tuesday, as they were not listed for the Africa Cup of Nations reverse fixture against Libya.
Despite initial hints that Simon could get a slot in to replace Galatasaray of Turkey winger, Henry Onyekuru on the bench, the former KAA Gent of Belgium dazzler was not listed in the match day squad of 18, while same applied for Omeruo, who had been listed for the first leg in Uyo.
It meant Omeruo did not get the chance to make his 42nd appearance for the Eagles, as the gaffer, Gernot Rohr opted instead for Rotherham United of England youngster, Semi Ajayi in the match day squad.
Also out alongside Simon and Omeruo were Chippa United goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and FC Porto defender, Chidozie Awaziem.
Lokomotiv Moscow of Russia full-back, Bryan Idowu also made the 18-man squad in place of injured Abdullahi Shehu, but it was Ola Aina that started at right-back and Jamilu Collins on the left of defence.
Onyekuru retained his place on the bench along with second choice goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, two England-based attackers, Kelechi Iheanacho and Isaac Success as well as Hapoel Be’er Sheva of Israel midfielder, John Ugochukwu Ogu.
Rohr set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation against the North African opponents fior the match day four 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Stade Taïeb Mhiri, Sfax, Tunisia.
With Abdullahi suffering an injury which led to his substitution after 18 minutes on Saturday, Aina got the chance for his first full competitive outing with the Eagles.
Elche of Spain goalkeeper, Francis Odinaka Uzoho got the chance to start for the eleventh straight game played by the Eagles in 2018, while the pair of William Troost-Ekong and Leon Aderemi Balogun retained their spots in central defence.
The midfield three consists of Wilfred Onyinyen Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Alex Iwobi, with the Arsenal star again deployed as the squad’s playmaker, while Odon Jude Ighalo on as top striker, flanked by Ahmed Musa and Samuel Kalu.
Nigeria’s Starting XI Vs Libya : Uzoho; Aina, Balogun, Ekong, Collins; Ndidi, Etebo, Iwobi; Kalu, Ighalo, Ahmed Musa
Nigeria’s Substitutes Vs Libya : Ezenwa, Semi Ajayi, Idowu, Ogu, Iheanacho, Onyekuru, Success
