Brazil vs Nigeria: Who should Gernot Rohr start against the Selecao?



The German tactician has little or no selection headaches before the Super Eagles battle the South American nation
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    Goalkeeper: Francis Uzoho

    Often criticised for lacking assuredness in goal, the Anorthosis Famagusta shot-stopper showed why Rohr rates him highly in September’s friendly against Ukraine.
    Even though he conceded twice against Andriy Shevchenko’s side, his improved performance against the European nation probably justifies another start against Brazil, at Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Maduka Okoye’s expense.
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    Centre-back: William Troost-Ekong

    Troost-Ekong captained the side against Ukraine last month, and is one of the players certain to play from the off against Tite’s troops on Sunday.
    The Udinese defender has featured in five of the White and Blacks’ games this season, producing solid if unspectacular performances for Igor Tudor's team.
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    Centre-back: Semi Ajayi

    With Kenneth Omeruo an unfortunate absentee through injury, the West Bromwich Albion defender ought to continue at centre-back, beating Leganes’ Chidozie Awaziem and unfit Brighton & Hove Albion’s Leon Balogun to a starting berth.
    In-form Ajayi also featured from the off alongside Troost-Ekong against Ukraine, and his showings in the Championship puts him ahead of the aforementioned pair.
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    Right-back: Chidozie Awaziem

    While this position might give Rohr a lot to ponder given the recent withdrawal of Ola Aina and options at his disposal, Awaziem looks likely to get the nod.
    A case can be made for Abdullahi Shehu and the returning Tyronne Ebuehi, but the Leganes defender, naturally a centre-back, should feature on Sunday with Rohr opting for more defensive cover against the Selecao.
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    Left-back: Jamilu Collins

    Aina’s withdrawal means the 25-year-old has no competition for a starting berth, and is likely to start against the five-time World champions.
    The Paderborn defender has been one of the bottom side’s better players this term, although he had a game to forget in their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Mainz last time out.
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    Central midfield: Wilfred Ndidi

    The return of Nigeria’s midfield enforcer might see Joe Aribo, who impressed against Ukraine, make do with a role on the bench.
    Ndidi is one of the first names on the team sheet, and walks into the Super Eagles line-up when available.
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    Central midfield: Oghenekaro Etebo

    A few supporters may call for Rangers’ Aribo to start alongside Ndidi, but Etebo’s value to the West African nation’s midfield is second to none.
    His tenacity will be needed in Sunday’s midfield battle, while his often ignored ability to make an impact in the attacking third could prove important against Brazil. 
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    Attacking midfield: Alex Iwobi

    Everton may be struggling for performances and results, but Iwobi has been one of the Toffees’ decent players this term.
    Nigeria’s most creative player brings elegance to a side that often struggles with moving the ball in advanced areas, as well as fashioning out chances.
    He linked up well with the attack against Ukraine, and it is unlikely Rohr leaves him out of his XI this weekend.
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    Right wing forward: Samuel Chukwueze

    Chukwueze’s skill and direct running will give any defender a run for his money, and that asset should come to the fore against Tite’s charges.
    The Villarreal man also carries a match-winning threat, which gives the Super Eagles a chance against their more fancied opponents.
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    Left wing forward: Moses Simon

    With Samuel Kalu forced to withdraw from the squad, the Super Eagles have lost the opportunity to give the forwards who proved a thorn in the side of Shevchenko’s team an encore.
    Simon replaced Kalu against the Europeans and didn’t pull up any trees, but his form for Nantes (two goals and an assist in seven games) makes him a frontrunner for the role on the left side of attack.
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    Centre forward: Victor Osimhen

    The in-form LOSC Lille frontman has been exemplary this season netting seven goals in nine appearances for Lille this term.
    He opened his account for the senior national team in last month’s draw and will be out to build on that achievement on Sunday.
    While there are multiple options in Paul Onuachu, Peter Olayinka and Emmanuel Dennis for the number nine role, Osimhen’s form makes him is the popular choice to feature.