Nigeria v Mali: Super Eagles coach make changes to team

The Super Eagles players celebrate one of their goals against Sierra Leone on Monday. There are expected to be changes for today's clash with Mali.

Top scorer in the just ended NPFL season, Anthony Okpotu, is set to be dropped from the starting eleven as coach Salisu Yusuf prepares to effect a couple more changes in this afternoon’s WAFU Cup Group A opening clash against Mali.

Okpotu, who emerged NPFL Goal King after he scored 19 goals for Lobi Stars this past season, struggled in the Eagles WAFU Cup playoff against Sierra Leone despite playing upfront along with club mate Kingsley Eduwo.

According to SCORENigeria, Akwa United star Friday Ubong will now start ahead of Okpotu and so combine upfront with Eduwo.

Okpotu was hauled off after 52 minutes for Peter Eneji, while Ubong replaced Samuel Matthias in the second half against Sierra Leone.

Destiny Ashadi in line for Eagles debut

Plateau United left winger Peter Eneji, who made a huge impact as a second-half substitute on Monday night, FC Ifeanyiubah central defender Olamilekan Adeleye and Destiny Ashadi from Katsina United are also in line for starts this afternoon.

Yusuf has demanded his team play with intelligence to beat Mali, who were convincing in a 3-1 playoff win over Mauritania on Monday.

The group game begins 4pm Nigerian time in Cape Coast.