Awaziem was selected ahead of Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo as coach Gernot Rohr wants to work with majority of the players who were with him in the training tour of France.
The coach maintained the bulk of the squad that defeated Togo 3-0 in their last friendly game with Mikel Agu and Ikechukwu Ezenwa the only players dropped for the returning duo of Ogenyi Onazi and Daniel Akpeyi.
It’s still unclear if the dropping of Omeruo who has been a stalwart in the heart of Nigeria’s defence since 2013 has anything to do with the physiological edge South Africa striker Tokelo Rantie has over him.
The last time Nigeria played South Africa in Uyo, the game ended 2-2 but Omeruo struggled to keep the rampaging forward in check, and with the forward set to lead the line again for South Africa today, it could be that he has cost Omeruo his spot in the Nigeria team for the clash.
Rohr has also picked 4-3-3 as the style his team will adopt against South Africa, who are hoping to end an unpleasant run of no win against Nigeria in any competitive game, as their only win came in a friendly game in 2004.
Confirmed Line -Up.
Daniel Akpeyi
Shehu Abdullahi
Elderson Echiejile
William Troost-Ekong
Chidozie Awaziem
Ogenyi Onazi
Oghenekaro Etebo
Wilfred Ndidi
Ahmed Musa
Alex Iwobi
Kelechi Iheanacho
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