AFCON 2021 : Eight interesting facts about Nigeria's starting lineup to face Sudan

Published: January 15, 2022

Nigeria's caretaker manager Augustine Eguavoen has announced his starting lineup for his side's second group game of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against Sudan at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Garoua.

The Super Eagles are in pole position in Group D with three points following a 1-0 win over Egypt in their opener and the result was flattering to the Pharaohs as Nigeria dominated the game from start to finish.

Allnigeriasoccer.com's editorial staff brings you eight interesting facts about the confirmed Super Eagles starting lineup against Sudan.

1) The average age for the starting lineup is 24.91 years with two players aged 22 namely goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Samuel Chukwueze.

2) Odion Ighalo, Chidozie Awaziem, Jamilu Collins, Peter Olayinka and John Noble are not available for selection having missed out on the matchday 23.

3) Kelechi Iheanacho will be aiming to become the first Nigerian player to score in his first two Africa Cup of Nations matches since Emmanuel Emenike in January 2013.

4) Wilfred Ndidi is making his ninth consecutive appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, more than any other player named in the starting lineup.

5) Nigeria is repeating the same starting lineup for an Africa Cup of Nations match. The last time that happened was against Algeria at AFCON 2019.

6) This is the first time Kenneth Omeruo is making back-to-back starts for the national team since July 2019.

7) Four players named in the starting lineup have started the finals of a FIFA U17 World Cup : Kenneth Omeruo (2009), Kelechi Iheanacho (2013), Taiwo Awoniyi (2013) and Samuel Chukwueze (2015).

8) Maduka Okoye is aiming to match the feat of Daniel Akpeyi of keeping clean sheets in his first two Africa Cup of Nations appearances.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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