Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is set to name at least eight World Cup debutants in his starting line-up to face Croatia in their opening Russia 2018 Group D fixture in Kaliningrad on Saturday, reports sportblitzz.com

Nigeria, who are making their sixth appearance at the World Cup, will have 19-year-old Deportive La Coruna goalkeeper Francis Uzoho in goal.

The right full-back position will be between Shehu Abdullahi and Tyronne Ebuehi. Both players have not played at the World Cup before.

Byran Idowu could get the nod ahead of Elderson Echiejile in the left full-back position due to form. The Amkar Perm defender has featured in all Nigeria’s pre-World Cup friendlies but has never played in the tournament proper.

The injury doubts over Leon Balogun could see Rohr deploy a 3-5-2 formation with John Ogu deployed to play on the left of a back three on his debut appearance for Nigeria at the World Cup alongside another debutant William Troost-Ekong in defence.

Ogu has played in the position in his last two games for Nigeria. He has also been playing as a centre-back in training.

In midfield, fit-again Wilfred Ndidi is set to make his first World Cup appearance alongside captain Mikel Obi while in attack Changchun Yatai striker Odion Ighalo and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi are also expected to make their first Mundial appearances.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/16/rohr-set-to-start-eight-super-eagles-world-cup-debutants-vs-croatia/#ixzz5IXwKH2jh