Sportblog247.com has exclusively revealed Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro’s starting lineup for the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast. The announcement follows a team meeting before the Super Eagles’ trip to the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

A significant development is the return of Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi, who successfully passed a late fitness test. Zaidu, absent in the semifinal against South Africa, replaces Bright Osayi-Samuel in one of two changes made by Peseiro. The other change sees Samuel Chukwueze stepping in for Moses Simon, who had a subdued performance in the previous match.

Stanley Nwabali, a standout performer in the tournament and a potential Golden Glove candidate, secures his eighth consecutive start in goal. The defensive trio consists of Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong, and Calvin Bassey.

In the midfield, English Premier League stars Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka form the double pivot, while Zaidu and Ola Aina take up the left wing-back and right wing-back positions, respectively.

Upfront, the striking trio comprises reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, flanked by Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. Peseiro seems to have adopted a 3-4-3 formation for the crucial encounter.

The 2023 AFCON final is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 Nigerian time at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.