AFCON 2023: Three Changes Jose Peseiro Is Predicted to Make Against Ivory Coast

• Jose Peseiro is expected to tweak his line-up against Ivory Coast
• The Super Eagles need a positive result against the Elephants
• Nigeria face Ivory Coast in their second Group A game on Thursday

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, is anticipated to make changes to his starting lineup for Nigeria's next Group A match against hosts, Ivory Coast.

The three-time African champions suffered a setback in their opening group game against Equatorial Guinea, playing a 1-1 draw against the Thunders but not without casualties.

According to Score Nigeria, combative midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf, looks set to miss the Super Eagles' next game against host Ivory Coast after he was stretched out against Equatorial Guinea.

The Royal Antwerp midfielder, who was a late call-up to Nigeria’s AFCON squad after replacing the injured Wilfred Ndidi, will be one of the changes expected in the Super Eagles' line-up against the Elephants.

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Here, Sports Brief examines the potential adjustments coach Peseiro might consider in Nigeria's crucial game against Ivory Coast.

Three changes expected against Ivory Coast

With injuries and loss of form ravaging the Super Eagles' AFCON squad, coach Peseiro will need to ring the changes to his starting line-up on Thursday as Nigeria seeks their first win in the competition against Ivory Coast.

1. Joe Aribo to replace injured Alhassan Yusuf

Southampton’s Joe Aribo is expected to replace injured Alhassan Yusuf in midfield, Daily Post reports.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who has swiftly become the favourite of an entire nation, missed Monday's training with the Super Eagles due to the injury.

2. Kelechi Iheanacho for Alex Iwobi

Another change Peseiro might likely make against Ivory Coast will be the introduction of Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, into the Super Eagles' starting line-up.

The 27-year-old, who joined the team’s camp after recovering from a muscle injury, could replace Alex Iwobi in the starting line-up.

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3. Moses Simon for Samuel Chukwueze

Winger Moses Simon struggled against Equatorial Guinea and could be relegated to the bench against Jean Louis Gasset's team.

The France-based winger is expected to be replaced from the Super Eagles' starting eleven by AC Milan’s forward, Samuel Chukwueze.

Musa sends a message to fans

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, assured Nigerians that they would get a win against host nation Ivory Coast on Thursday, January 18.

The former Leicester City forward admitted the team is under pressure to get a positive result as they know their fate at the AFCON is tied to the game against the Elephants.