Nigeria will kick-off the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with a game against Liberia in Lagos.
The Super Eagles will be looking to begin their qualifying campaign on a winning note while the Lone Stars will be seeking to leave Nigeria with a least a share of the spoils.
Group standings
Nigeria was drawn in Group C alongside Cape Verde, Central African Republic and Liberia.
While the Super Eagles take on Liberia, Cape Verde will square up against Central Africa Republic. Nigeria will play against Cape Verde away in the next match during this international break while Liberia and Central Africa Republic will face each other.
Squads
Nigeria
Gernot Rohr named a 30-man squad for the the game against Liberia.
Of the 30 man squad, 23 of them are on the main list while 7 are on standby to replace the UK-based players for the game against Cape Verde.
Defender, Kevin Akpoguma has been ruled out of the game after testing positive to COVID-19.
Midfielder, Frank Onyeka tested positive to COVID-19 ahead of last weekend’s Premier League fixtures which has all but ruled him out of the game.
Liberia
Liberia head coach, Peter James Butler named a 22-man squad for the fixtures against Nigeria and Central Africa Republic.
The squad consists of players playing in across Europe, Asia and Liberia.
**Liberia squad. Source: completesports.com
Head-to-head record
The last time Nigeria and Liberia met in an international match was in 2018. It was a friendly match that the then newly-elected Liberia President, George Weah played in and the Super Eagles won 2-1 with goals from Henry Onyekuru and Simy Nwankwo.
The last competitive game between both teams was in the 2013 AFCON qualifier in 2012. The Super Eagles won the game 6-1 to earn the tournament ticket, with Victor Moses grabbing a brace.
According to 11vs11.com, both nations have met a total of 13 times on the international stage with Nigeria winning 8 times, and Liberia getting 3 wins. The other two games ended in draws.
Players to watch
Nigeria: Paul Onuachu
Paul Onuachu is Nigeria’s most in-form forward heading into the game.
The Genk striker has scored 3 goals in 7 games for his club so far this season and will be looking to continue his fine form again the Lone Stars.
Liberia: Oscar Dorley
Oscar Dorley is a versatile player who can play as a left back or in the midfield.
He will be looking to wreck havoc against the Super Eagles.
Predicted lineups
Nigeria
Gernot Rohr is likely to go with a 4-3-3 formation.
Maduka Okoye should start in goal ahead of Francis Uzoho. Other usual suspects like William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi should also be in the starting lineup.
Liberia
There is a very high likelihood of Peter James Butler going for a defensive formation as he seeks to earn at least a point against the Super Eagles.
Star player, Oscar Dorley is likely to start the game against Nigeria.
Score prediction
Nigeria 2-0 Liberia
This should be a straight forward win for the Super Eagles, barring any surprise.
Date: Friday, September 3rd, 2021
Venue: Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos
Time: 4pm
Referee: Kouassi Attisso Attiogbe (Togo)
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