Trabzonspor Midfielder Named As Stand-In Captain As Mikel Misses Bafana Bafana Clash

Nigeria have named Ogenyi Onazi as captain for their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa this weekend.

The teams will meet in their opening Group E clash in Uyo on Saturday evening.

The Nigerian Football Federation have confirmed that Onazi will wear the armband for the Super Eagles, with regular captain John Obi Mikel missing the match as he recovers from injury.

“I have confidence in the group that we have now and the ambition oozing in the camp. We want to go to the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Onazi, as quoted by Allnigeriasoccer.com.

“Starting well on Saturday will be key to our aspiration.”

In addition, news coming out of Nigeria training is that locally-based attacking midfielder Alhassan Ibrahim may earn himself a start, while Premier League players Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho have also impressed.