Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, will not start against Ethiopia this evening.
Coach Stephen Keshi, in the team list released ahead of the crucial game, did not consider his captain good enough.
Instead, the Nigeria gaffer sticks with the pair of Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo.
The surprise inclusion in the game against Ethiopia is another home boy, Sunday Mba, who is set for AFCON debut.
Desperate to score plenty goals, Keshi, for the first time since the competition began, will be playing with two strikers.
Ike Uche and two-goal hero, Emmanuel Emenike, will be up against the Antelopes of Ethiopia.
Match kicks off 6pm Nigerian time.
Full list
Vincent Enyeama
Elderson Echejile
Ambrose Efe
Emmanuel Emenike
Mikel Obi
Victor Moses
Fegor Ogude
Godfrey Oboabona
Ikechukwu Uche
Sunday Mba
Kenneth Omeruo