Ahmed Musa, who has struggled for playing time at Premier League champions Leicester City, has been dropped by Nigeria for this afternoon’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia.
He has been replaced from the starting XI by Gent of Belgium forward Moses Simon.
Olympiacos striker Brown Ideye will lead the attack in the absence of bereaved Odion Ighalo with Premier League youngsters Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi supporting him in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Turkey-based Kenneth Omeruo will partner William Troost-Ekong in the heart of the defence after Germany-based Leon Balogun was ruled out of this encounter due to injury.
Nigeria will face Zambia with Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme in between the pipes, while Chelsea loanee Kenneth Omeruo, Gent loanee William Troost-Ekong, Elderson Echiejile and Wilfred Ndidi starting in defense.
Chelsea unfavoured star Mikel,leads the team, anchored by Eddy Onazi in central midfield.
Olympiakos striker Brown Ideye leads the front pack , Kelechi Iheanacho in attack, while Moses Simon and Arsenal rising star Alex Iwobi are the two wide midfielders.
Probable line ups : Ikeme, Omeruo, Troost-Ekong, Echiejile, Ndidi; Mikel, Onazi, Iheanacho; Ideye, Iwobi, Simon
