Super Eagles will be aiming to seal early qualification to the final knockout stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as the team host the Central Africa Republic (CAR) today at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Nigeria are currently top of Group C on six points after defeating Liberia 2-0 and Cape Verde 2-1 respectively. The visitors will be keen to upset the hosts and secure their first victory after picking up one point from their opening two games.

This will be the first international meeting between the two sides. Nigeria will be seeking all three points to boost their chances of securing qualification for the third round of the qualifiers.

Anything other than a win for the Central African Republic will put them in jeopardy of being eliminated.

Apart from friendly matches, the Wild Beasts have yet to win an international game in the last 12 months, putting them at number 124 in the world. The Super Eagles, on the other hand, have had a good run in Africa, qualifying for the 2021 AFCON without losing a game.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr will be without three influential midfielders such as Oghenekaro Etebo, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, who are all battling injuries. However, the German tactician will be banking on in-form strikers such as Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and Kelechi Iheanacho to shouldered the goal scoring responsibility that will condemned CAR to defeat.

On he other hand, CAR will be without the services of their biggest star Geoffrey Kondogbia, who last featured in June’s friendly against Rwanda, after the Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder was omitted by coach Raoul Savoy. But they will be relying on Karl Namnganda and M’Vondo Georgino to deliver the goals that would upset the Super Eagles in Lagos.

Probable Lineup

Nigeria: Akpeyi; Aina, Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Collins; Onyeka, Aribo, Kalu, Simon; Iheanacho, Osimhen.

Central African Republic: Samola; Ngam-Ngam, Ndobe, Guinari, Yangao; Niamathe, Ndokomandji; Urie, Toropite, Damona; M’Vondo

Match details

Competition: World Cup Qualification Africa, Game week 3
Venue: Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos
Kickoff Time: 5:00 pm (Nigerian time)
Date: Thursday, October 7, 2021.