The 30-year-old is replaced on the team by Samuel Chukwueze,
who completes the front-four alongside Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and
Adams Akor.

Simon was a constant presence in the Eagles’ starting
line-up throughout the group stages of the qualifiers.

Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles head coach, also benched
William Troost-Ekong in defence. The Franco-Malian coach opts for the youthful
backline pairing of Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Frederick. The duo of Zaidu
Sanusi and Bright Osayi-Samuel will start as the full-backs.

Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi continue as the heart of the
team in midfield, and Stanley Nwabali keeps his place in between the goalposts.

The Super Eagles play Gabon in one of the semi-finals of the
playoffs at 5 pm on Thursday.

The winner of the match will face either Congo DR or
Cameroon in the final to clinch the sole slot to represent Africa at the
intercontinental playoff.

Controversies have marred Nigeria’s preparation for the
competition.

On Tuesday, the Eagles boycotted their training session in
protest of unpaid allowances. The players refused to train until 24 hours
later, after their demands were met by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Super Eagles Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali, Benjamin
Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osay-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi; Wilfred Ndidi (C),
Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.